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HIBriARY OF CONGriESS.I 



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! UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.! 



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THE 

UNIVERSALIST MANUAL, 

OR 

BOOK OF PRAYEES 

AND OTHER 

RELIGIOUS EXERCISES: 

ADAPTED TO THE USE BOTH OF 

PUBLIC AND PRIVATE DEVOTION 

IN 

CHURCHES, SUNDAY SCHOOLS, AND FAMILIES. 

i 

BY MENZIES RAYNER. 

" worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness."— Ps. xcvi. 9. 

"Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples."— Lwfce xi. 1. 



NEW-YORK: 
P. PRICE, NO. 130 FULTON-STREET. 

BOSTON : — A. TOMPKINS, 32 CORNHILL. 
UTICA: — GROSH & HUTCHINSON. 



1839. 



Entered according to tne Act of Congress, in the year 1839, 

By p. price, 

ill the Clerk's OfBce of the District Court of the Southern Dis- 
trict of New-Yorli. 




THIS LITTLE VOLUME 

OF 

DEVOTIONAL EXERCISES 

IS 

HUMBLY SUBMITTED AND RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED 

TO THE 

DENOMINATION OF UNIVERSALISTS 

IN 

THE UNITED STATES, 

BY 

THE AUTHOR. 



PREFACE. 



That the public worship of God is a duty incum- 
bent on all men, is universally admitted ; at least, by 
all who acknowledge His existence as the intelligent 
and wise Creator and Governor of the world. 
Hence, in some form, religious worship has been 
practised among all nations : often, indeed, very ig- 
norantly, with absurd and barbarous rites and cere- 
monies ; and often, also, not much less ignorantly, 
even under the light of Divine revelation. To such, 
the language of our Saviour to the woman at Ja- 
cob's well, in reference to the religious devotions of 
the Samaritans, might perhaps be justly applied — 
" Ye worship ye know not what or the similar 
sentiment expressed by St. Paul to the idolatrous 
Athenians, when he charged them with ignorantly 
worshipping an " unknown God." 

To imagine that human worship, or the profound- 
est adoration of any, or of all created intelligences can 
add anything to the essential glory or felicity of the 
Creator — who is "blessed for evermore," would be 
an ignorant and vain presumption. Equally fallacious 
is the supposition that prayers and intercessions, or 
religious devotions of any sort, can prevail to effect 
5 1* 



6 



PREFACE. 



a change in the mind or purposes of Him "who 
worketh all things after the counsel of his own will 
and with whom is no variableness neither shadow 
of turning." 

The object of religious worship, therefore, is not 
to endeavour to placate the supposed wrath of the 
Supreme Being, or to induce him to be more favour- 
ably disposed toward his erring creatures — who are 
declared to be made subject to vanity, not willingly, 
but by reason of Him w^ho hath subjected the same 
in hope." Public worship is enjoined upon us for our 
own advantage ; and should therefore be esteemed 
as a privilege, as well as a duty. So it has been 
regarded by the pious in all ages. So the devout 
Psalmist viewed it when he exclaimed, "How amia- 
ble are thy tabernacles, O Lord of Hosts ! My soul 
longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the 
Lord : my heart and my flesh crieth out for the liv- 
ing God. For a day in thy courts is better than a 
thousand : I had rather be a doorkeeper in the 
house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wick- 
edness." 

That public ^vorship may have its due influence 
and eflect, it is of the utmost importance that it be 
properly conducted in all its parts. Some forms 
there must of necessity be ; but they should not be un- 
necessarily multiplied ; and they ought to be neither 
pompous and imposing, on the one hand, nor in- 
significant and trifling on the other. And in no 
case should the services be burdensome and tedious ; 



PREFACE. 7 

SO as to induce weariness, or render the worshipper 
impatient or uneasy. The devotions of the christian 
sanctuary, should always be performed and attended 
upon with profound reverence and solemnity ; and 
yet with a cheerful and devout fervour — alike remov- 
ed from gloominess and dejection, and from levity, 
intemperate ardour, and extravagant emotions. Joy- 
ful we may, and should be, in the God of our salva- 
tion — for he approveth a cheerful worshipper, as 
well as ''a cheerful givers But we should wor- 
ship the Lord in the beauty of holiness — serve him 
with awe, and rejoice unto him with reverence." 

Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad — 
for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth ; he 
shall judge [or govern] the world with righteousness, 
and the people with his truth." 

With regard to precomposed forms of devotion, al- 
though a difference of opinion and practice prevails 
among different Christian sects, yet none, I believe, 
consider such forms subversive of true Christian 
worship ; and even those who prefer them, as be- 
ing, in their opinion, most agreeable to primitive 
usage and best adapted to promote the regular per- 
formance of public devotion, are not disposed, at 
present, to censure with severity those who adopt 
a more free and extemporaneous mode, and who 
think the invariable use of precomposed forms un- 
necessary and injudicious. To the performance of 
one part of religious devotion, at least — and that as 
practised by nearly all denominations of Christians 



8 



PREFACE. 



— precomposed forms are indispensable, viz., that of 
singing. This interesting part of public worship 
requires t?iat the psalms, hymns or anthems, and also 
the music, should be composed and adapted before- 
hand, in order to produce harmony, and make melo- 
dy ; so that singing may be performed agreeably to 
St. Paul's views of propriety — that is — with the 
spirit, and with the understanding also." As relates 
to public jprayers also, if the congregation unite in 
them, they necessarily pray by a form — either one 
that has been precomposed, or the one which the 
minister or person officiating may furnish for them 
at the time. With Mm the prayer may be strictly 
extemporaneous ; but not so with the congregation ; 
for it is not to be expected that each one of them 
wil] have, or will conceive at the time, a distinct 
prayer for himself, but that he will unite with the 
person officiating, and pray according to the form of 
words delivered by him at the time ; so that his 
prayer becomes their form, in which they offer their 
petitions. And even the minister himself, who prays 
without a form — either before him, or one committed 
to memory — does not always, nor even commonly, 
offer anything like a new or different prayer. He may 
be able to vary his language a little, and may occa- 
sionally use some new expressions : but his public 
prayers will generally — on ordinary occasions — be 
substantially the same; and even the variation of 
language will be very inconsiderable, and not always 
for the better. The reason is obvious : the circumstan- 



PREFACE. 



9 



ces of a congregation, of a community, or of man- 
kind at large, do not materially alter every week. 
The same wants and desires — hopes and fears — joys 
and sorrows, prevail in the world, and more or less 
in every congregation, and suggest the same "sup- 
plications, prayers, intercessions, and ' giving of 
thanks." And moreover, it would seem that in of- 
fering solemn and devout addresses to the Supreme 
Being — ''with the spirit and with the understanding" 
— novelty of expression need not be eagerly sought. 

It is unquestionable, that established forms of reli- 
gious worship Avere in use in the Jewish church ; 
and we learn by the Evangelist St. Luke, that John 
the Baptist gave to his disciples a form of prayer; 
to which also our Saviour gave his sanction, by do- 
ing the same thing for his disciples, in compliance 
with their request. It might be added — and it is 
worthy of particular notice — that in the account 
which is given of our Lord's praying three times in 
a short space, it is expressly stated that he used the 
same words. Whatever may have been the practice 
of the Apostles relative to this subject, (for we 
know not that it can be determined with certainty,) 
yet there is sufficient evidence that forms of prayer 
and liturgies were in use in the Christian church 
soon afterward ; and they have continued to be 
used, in some sections of the church, constantly, 
down to the present time. 

The New Testament contains no particular and 
express directions as to the external manner in 



10 



PREFACE. 



which Christian worship shall be celebrated. In his 
conversation with the woman of Samaria, at Jacob's 
well, our Saviour said, The hour cometh, when ye 
shall neither in this mountain (Gerizim) nor yet at 
Jerusalem, worship the Father. But the hour com- 
eth, and now is, when the true worshippers shall 
worship the Father in spirit and in truth :" H)vious- 
ly alluding to the entire abolition of the ritual and 
ceremonial worship of the Jews ; which was then 
about to give place to the pure spiritual system of 
Gospel doctrine and devotion in the Christian church ; 
and which had already commenced under the minis- 
try of the Messiah. 

St. Paul, in reference to religious exercises in 
Christian assemblies in his time, says, God is not 
the author of confusion;" and he further directs 
"Let all things be done decently and in order:" 
which direction may doubtless be fully observed in 
public worship, either with, or without precomposed 
forms. 

In the judgment of the present writer, the invari- 
able use of set forms of prayer and other offices of 
devotion, is not divinely enjoined, and would not be 
expedient. Yet neither, on the other hand, are such 
forms and offices divinely prohibited ; and therefore 
may, it is believed, on some occasions, and in certain 
circumstances, be desirable and advantageous, in 
the performance of Christian worship. 

The preface to the Book of Common Prayer of 
the Protestant Episcopal Church, commences with 



PREFACE 



11 



the following paragraph, the sentiments of which, 
we think, are reasonable and judicious : — 

"It is a most invaluable part of that blessed liber- 
ty wherewith Christ hath made us free, that in his 
worship (or the worship of God according to the 
principles and spirit of the gospel) different forms 
and usages may, without offence, be allowed; pro- 
vided the substance of the faith be kept entire ; and 
that, in every church (or every section of the Christian 
church) what cannot be clearly determined to belong 
to doctrine, must be referred to discipline ; and 
therefore, by common consent and authority, may 
be altered, abridged, enlarged, amended, or other- 
wise disposed of, as may seem most convenient for 
the edification of the people ; according to the vari- 
ous exigencies of times and occasions.'' 

In the next paragraph of the abovenamed preface, 
a quotation is made from the Book of Common 
Prayer of the Church of England ; in which it is 
laid down as a rule, that as "the particular forms 
of Divine Worship, and the Rites and Ceremonies 
appointed to be used therein, are things in their own 
nature indifferent and alterable, and are so acknowl- 
edged, it is but reasonable that according to the va- 
rious exigencies of times and occasions, such changes 
and alterations should be made therein, as to those 
who are in places of authority should, from time to 
time, seem either necessary or expedient." 

This appears to be approving as much liberty in 
conducting public worship as the most liberal can 



12 



PREFACE. 



desire ; and goes to preclude all feelings of hostility, 
or of disrespect among professing Christians of dif- 
ferent denominations, merely on accomit of some pe- 
culiarities, or dilferences of arrangement, in the per- 
formance of their religious devotions, while such 
regulations are satisfactory to themselves. 

The object of the present attempt is to prepare a 
guide and an assistant for public devotion, and for 
the use of families, in the denomination of Univer- 
salists in the United States. This denomination — 
ah'eady considerably numerous, and embracing a 
fair proportion of the most intelligent and worthy 
members of community — is still increasing and 
spreading abroad with a rapidity, and an accumula- 
ting influence, unparalleled in the annals of any Chris- 
tian sect. Preachers are being raised up, and fre- 
quent accessions received by conversion, from the 
ministry of other denominations — sufficient, indeed, 
to excite the grateful exclamation — " This is the 
Lord's doing; and it is marvellous in our eyes !" 
New Universalist societies, also, are constantly be- 
ing formed, in an over proportion to the labourers in 
the gospel lield ; so that some of the societies re- 
main almost entirely destitute of public religious 
services and preaching, by Ministers and Teachers 
of the order. The consequence is, that the mem- 
bers are obliged, either to spend the Sabbath at 
home, or else to attend meetings where they are 
often regarded as infidels and heretics, and where 
they commonly hear doctrines inculcated which they 



PREFACE.. 



13 



believe to be derogatory to the character of God, 
and subversive of the most important truths of the 
gospel. 

It is exceedingly desirable that these evils and in- 
conveniencies may be remedied, so that in all places 
where there are any considerable number of persons 
attached to the order of Universalists — as well 
where regular societies are not yet formed as where 
they are — public worship may be established, and 
celebrated by them with due order and solemnity. 
With the view to this object, it has been suggested 
at different times, and especially of late, by several 
worthy Ministers, and other zealous and discreet 
members of the order, that a well-digested and ju- 
dicious form of public religious devotion, would be 
a provision well adapted to the attainment of the 
above desirable object. 

It is fully conceded that where regular and ap- 
proved Ministers, and duly accredited public teach- 
ers of our denomination are established, or can be 
obtained, they may justly be considered competent 
to lead the devotions of a congregation in the per- 
formance of the customary and appropriate services, 
without the aid of a precomposed form, or advised 
method of proceeding. Yet^it may be worthy of 
consideration, whether public worship might not be 
enlivened and rendered more interesting by the oc- 
casional use of some forms of devotion in which 
the congregation should.^have the opportunity, and 
should be requested to take a more active part in 
2 



14 



PREFACE. 



the services, by appropriate and animating resjpon- 
ses. It is evident that some of the devotional Psalms 
of David were composed after this manner, and 
were so recited in the Jewish church ; and since 
many of them are, in style and spirit, truly evan- 
gelical, and also prophetically descriptive of the 
blessings of the gospel, they are equally adapted 
to the devotions of the Christian sanctuary. Se- 
lections from them are accordingly made to be used on 
some occasions, as may be judged expedient. Some j 
of the prayers also, and other devotional exercises 
set forth in this book, are prepared with responses 
for the congregation ; and are respectfully submitted 
to the judgment of the brethren, both ministers and 
others. 

But it has been an especial aim in this work, to 
prepare and present some plain and easy directions, 
and suitable helps for the performance of public and 
social worship by those of our brethren in the faith 
of God's universal and ceaseless love, who may not 
enjoy the privileges, nor have access to the services 
of the Ministry of Reconciliation,'''' Such will 
then have the opportunitv, on each returning Sab- 
bath, of meeting together, however few in number, 
and of uniting in acts of adoration, praise and 
prayer, to the one great and common Parent, the j 
Father of the spirits of all flesh, and " the God of i 
all grace and consolation." 

At such meetings, some brother may be chosen or 
r£quested to lead in the religious services ; which he 



PREFACE. 



15 



will be enabled to do without embarrassment, ac- 
cording to the order herein proposed. A printed 
sermon may then be read ; and it is a very favoura- 
ble circumstance that sermons by Universalist Min- 
isters may be conveniently obtained — such being 
almost weekly published in papers, and often in 
pamphlets, and upon the most interesting subjects, 
both doctrinal and practical. These can be had 
without difficulty, in sufficient number and variety, 
so that new ones may be read at those meetings, 
every Sabbath in the year. Thus, by the adoption 
of this desirable measure, those brethren and friends 
of our order (and often those who are yet wholly 
unacquainted with the doctrine of universal grace) 
who have not the opportunity, or but very seldom, 
of hearing the word of reconciliation from the 
lips of its ambassadors, may yet hear, in their pub- 
lished discourses, what, by their doctrine, " the 
Spirit saith unto the Churches." 

The forms of prayer contained in this Manual, 
are (as we think they should be) of moderate length ; 
the language and style plain and solemn ; and to the 
sentiments expressed in them, we confidently be- 
lieve, all sincere Christians can cheerfully and de- 
voutly respond a hearty amen* 

Concerning this short but very significant, and in 
our opinion, very appropriate response, we here 
take occasion to remark, that although the practice 
of saying amen at the close of prayers, thanksgiv- 
ings, &c», has been greatly abused, through igno- 



16 PREFACE. 

ranee and intemperate ardour ; whereby, with other 
improprieties, noise and confusion have often taken 
the place of sober, rational devotion ; yet if the con- 
gregation — who ought to be, and many of whom 
doubtless are, equally sincere and fervent in the reli- 
gious services as is the minister or leader — should, 
at the close of prayers, devout ascriptions, &c., ex- 
press their hearty concurrence, by audibly, solemnly, 
and unitedly pronouncing an emphatic amen, it 
would evidently manifest an attentive engagedness 
in the worship ; and we see not wherein it is justly 
objectionable. 

We learn by ecclesiastical history, that this prac- 
tice early prevailed in the worship of the Christian 
church; and its propriety is more than intimated in 
the Scriptures. St. Paul speaks, with implied ap- 
probation, of saying amen at the giving of thanks. 
— See 1 Cor. xiv. 16. When St. John, as recorded 
in Revelations, v. 13, 14, heard every creature 
which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the 
earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in 
them, saying. Blessing, and honour, and glory, and 
power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and 
unto the Lamb for ever and ever," a response is ad- 
ded as follows : — " And the four beasts [or living 
creatures] said Amen. And the four and twenty el- 
ders fell down and worshipped Him that liveth for 
ever and ever." Again, Rev. xxii. 20, " He which 
testifieth these things saith. Surely I come quickly." 
Response, ^^Amen, Even so, come, Lord Jesus." 



PREFACE. 



17 



The pious and devout psalmist, in the true spirit of 
the gospel, ardently prays, and blesses God as fol- 
lows : " Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us 
from among the heathen, to give thanks unto thy 
holy name, and to triumph in thy praise. Blessed 
be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to ever- 
lasting and then he adds, and let all the people 
say. Amen, Praise ye the Lord." 

In relation to the custom in religious worship, of 
which we are now speaking, it may not be improper 
to notice, what is doubtless generally known, that 
in the Episcopal church the same has been, and still 
is, uniformly, and very orderly practised, conforma- 
bly to the following general direction : " The peo- 
ple shall answer, at the end of every prayer, Amen,^^ 

The abuse and perversion of this usage, are, we 
think, to be disapproved ; but if regularly and sol- 
emnly practised, we believe its tendency would be 
to animate and enliven devotion, and render it more 
impressive and interesting. And moreover — and 
which ought to be no trifling consideration — it 
would be following the example of the pious wor- 
shippers of God of ancient time, both in the Jewish 
and the Christian church. In this persuasion, and 
with these views of the subject, we beg leave, re- 
spectfully to commend it to the consideration of the 
ministers and brethren generally, of the Universal- 
ist denomination ; being confident that they will 
agree that any matter or circumstance, however 
apparently small, which has relation to the impor- 
3* 



18 



PREFACE. 



tant subject of public religious worship, the wor- 
ship of Almighty God, our heavenly Father, is de- 
serving of serious and deliberate attention. 

The foregoing observations, upon a subject con- 
fessedly very important, are not offered in a spirit 
of dictation, or of vain assumption. They are the 
result of sober thought, and a sincere regard to the 
promotion of pure Christian worship, and the pros- 
perity of that section of the church of the Redeem- 
er upon earth, with which the writer esteems it a 
great privilege and happiness to be united. And 
they are presented, together with the following forms 
of devotion, prayers, thanksgivings, &lc., with sen- 
timents of entire deference to the free and candid 
consideration of the brethren of the Universalist de- 
nomination, both ministers and laymen. 

Objections will doubtless arise in the minds of 
some, to the suffofestions here made in relation to the 
services, and the order of public worship. But it is 
thought it might be a proper subject of inquiry, 
whether such objections may not be the result of 
education and habit, and an attachment to customs 
and usages which have been long and generally ap- 
proved. Innovations in things sacred have been 
generally considered as of dangerous tendency. 
Yet we know not that innovations are more danger- 
ous, or more to be deprecated, than old and long-es- 
tablished errors. And furthermore, it is, at least^ 
possible that, in some cases, what may be reckoned 
an innovation, may be only a restoring of things to 



PREFACE. 



19 



their proper state and order, and to their duly au- 
thorized and primitive usage. In such cases an in- 
novation upon customs and practices, however sa- 
cred they may be esteemed, and however extensively 
they may have the sanction of popular opinion, is 
both justifiable and commendable. 

It may be objected that some of the measures 
here proposed Avould be liable to be abused and per- 
verted, especially responses by the congregation, by 
saying amen at the close of prayers, &c., that it 
might occasion fanatical emotions and actions in 
some, and give just cause of offence to others. Of 
such abuse we admiit there is danger ; and what 
good thing is not liable to be abused ? The abuse 
of a thing, however, has never been thought a valid 
argument against the judicious use of it: and it is 
believed that due care and attention may prevent 
the abuse, and yet retain the practice of that which, 
duly regulated and guarded, may be not only inof- 
fensive, but highly expedient and useful. If the do- 
ing evil that good may come, be in no case admissi- 
ble, the proposition, it is believed, is equally correct 
and reasonable, that we should not refrain from do- 
ing good, lest evil should come. The author of our 
holy religion knew full well, that the propagation of 
that religion would occasion great disorders and 
much enmity ; not only in the community at large, 
but even in families, and among the nearest connex- 
ions and kindred ; yet he chose — and it was divinely 
determined — that it should be propagated and estab- 



20 



PREFACE. 



lished. This is indeed a strong case, but it also 
strongly supports the above principle. When St. 
Paul says, in a case not foreign to the present sub- 
ject, "Let not then your good be evil spoken of," 
he does not intimate that the good ought not to be 
done, or allowed; but that Christian liberty should 
be so indulged as not to be licentious, nor give just 
occasion of reproach or censure. 

The services of public worship should always be so 
conducted as to be alike removed from cold indiffer- 
ence and formality, and from irreverent familiarity, 
and clamorous rant and vociferation. And it is con- 
fidently believed that the just and rational views of 
God and religion, which are constantly inculcated 
in the denomination of Universalists, will tend 
greatly, and it is hoped effectually, to prevent the 
occurrence amonof them of those irregularities and 
extravagances which have often taken place at the 
reliorious meetino^s of some other Christian sects, 
where excitement has appeared to be the chief object, 
and where sudden and extraordinary impulses are 
so much sought, and relied on as certain tokens of 
the Divine presence and favour. 

Although public religious services, and especially 
public prayers, must necessarily be, at least in 
substance, and, on ordinary occasions, pretty nearly 
the same, so that novelty of sentiment cannot be ex- 
pected, and variety of expression need not, as be- 
fore remarked, be eagerly sought; yet neither, on 
the other hand, is it necessary that public prayers 



PREFACE, 



21 



should even on common occasions, be uniformly and 
literally the same. Some variation in form and lan- 
guage, if not strictly necessary, cannot be justly ob- 
jectionable, and may be expedient and desirable. 
With these views, therefore, and that the work 
might contain an agreeable and convenient variety, 
for all occasions of public and social worship, ap- 
plication was made to a number of ministering 
brethren, who kindly furnished a number of forms 
of prayer, both for common and particular occa- 
sions. On reflection, however, and by the sugges- 
tions of some brethren, in whose judgment I have 
great confidence, I have been induced to vary from 
my first intention, in relation to the prayers thus so- 
licited, and so obligingly communicated. It occur- 
red to me, as one reason for the alteration, that the 
insertion of the entire prayers of different brethren, 
with the names of the authors, might, in some in- 
stances, lead the readers to institute comparisons^ as 
to the supposed merits or defects of the different 
compositions ; as if a sort of rivalry had influenced 
the different contributors; an idea most inconsistent 
with the reverential nature, and the meekly imploring 
spirit of devout supplication. But a principal rea- 
son for the alteration is the consideration, suggested 
by a worthy brother, that " in prayers by different 
authors, we are not to expect that unity — not ex- 
actly unity — but that sameness in diversity which 
shows the work of one mind, however various the 
topics to which it is directed." 



22 



PREFACE. 



It might also be mentioned, as a reason for vary- 
ing from the original arrangement, that to insert at 
full length all the forms of devotional exercises 
that have been contributed, would swell the volume 
to a size greater than was contemplated, or than 
would be desirable ; and to alter, contract, or wholly 
leave out some, while others were admitted entire, 
might be thought an invidious distinction, or im- 
proper partiality, and might injure the feelings of 
some worthy brethren, which should be sedulously 
avoided. These reasons and explanations will, it is 
hoped, be satisfactory ; and will supersede, in a 
great measure, the necessity of references, and of 
giving credit in particular cases. That the work 
may be generally acceptable, and that, through the 
* Divine blessing, it may subserve the best interests 
of true Christian devotion and piety, is the devout 
wish of 

The Author. 



REMARKS 



UPON 

UNIVERSALIST PUBLICATIONS AND PREACHING. 

Such have been the circumstances of the denomi- 
nation of Universalists, in relation to nearly all other 
sects of professing Christians, that its ministers have 
been necessarily, and almost constantly engaged in 
theological controversy. 

The great and leading doctrine by which we are 
distinguished ; the rapid and extensive progress 
which it has made within a few years ; the numbers 
which have embraced it, and which are constantly 
increasing, are circumstances which could not fail 
to attract the attention of the Christian community ; 
and which, moreover, have not failed to excite the 
hostility — and in some instances — it may be safely 
added — the rage and violence of opposers, of al- 
most all other denominations. These exigencies 
have rendered it expedient that we should repeated- 
ly, both in preaching and writing, explain our doc- 
trine — constantly rescue it from misrepresentation, 
and defend it by argument. And, to show its para- 
mount excellence, that we should also exhibit it in 
contrast with all opposing creeds and systems, what- 
ever be their claims to antiquity, common consent, 
or popular favour. 

In this state of things, religious and theological 
controversy — among the ministers of our denomina- 
tion especially- — has been necessary and unavoida- 
23 



24 



REMARKS. 



ble. Hence, as a consequence, much of the preach- 
ing, and most of the publications in the order, have 
partaken largely of a polemical character. From 
this circumstance, the inference has been drawn — 
most unjustly, we are persuaded — that we court 
contention, and are particularly fond of disputation. 
This imputation w^e utterly disclaim ; and that it 
does not justly attach to us, is, w^e think, fully 
evinced by a ready disposition, manifested on all 
occasions, to meet our brethren of all denomina- 
tions, on terms of the most friendly accommodation, 
and cordial reciprocity. 

We are, it is true, decidedly opposed to an impli- 
cit faith, in matters of religion ; and we strongly rec- 
ommend free, individual inquiry, and careful inves- 
tigation. By such investigation we have discovered 
— at least to our own full conviction — that many 
great and pernicious errors are abroad in the Chris- 
tian world : errors which have been of long stand- 
ing, and which are still adhered to by numbers, with 
unyielding tenacity ; and propagated with untiring 
assiduity. It was necessary, in our opinion, that 
these doctrinal errors and corruptions should be re- 
moved, that the pure and eternal principles of truth 
and righteousness, might be established upon their 
own deep and immoveable basis. Appropriate to the 
case, as an illustrative figure, is the language of Ju- 
dah, in reference to the building of the second Tem- 
ple, as recorded in the book of Nehemiah, iv. 10 : 
"There is much rubbish, so that we are not able to 
build the walls." To apply the case, we remark ; 
it was found necessary that the " rubbish" of human 
creeds, and the traditions, inventions, and "com- 
mandments of men," should be removed out of the 
way. And to this object the labours of the " ministry 
of reconciliation," and of the "restitution of all 
things," have been, in a great measure, directed. 



REMARKS . 



25 



And we rejoice that these labours have been signally 
successful, in ^'pulling down strongholds, casting 
down imaginations," and many '* high things.''^ 

But there is still much old rubbish to be removed, 
(so we sincerely think,) as well as many new plans, 
and schemes of human invention, to be examined 
and tested. We may therefore fitly employ, as a 
figure, another statement relative to the building of 
the second Jewish Temple ; where, in consequence 
of enemies, and opposers of the building, it is said: 
They which builded on the wall and they that 
bare burdens, with those that laded, every one, with 
one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the 
other hand held a weapon." So with us ; we still 
find that there are many enemies, and opposers to 
the building up of the fair temple of truth — the truth 
of universal grace — as we most firmly believe it is 
in Jesus, and declared in his gospel : and therefore, 
while we endeavour to build up truth with one hand, 
we find it necessary to repel error with the other. 

It is further said in the history referred to, that 
'* the builders, every one, had his sword girded by 
his side, and so builded." In like manner, by an 
easy accommodation of this circumstance, it may be 
remarked, that loe find it indispensable, still to be 
girded with the sword: not a carnal weapon ; — " for 
the Aveapons of our warfare are not carnal," — but 
with "the sword of the Spirit, which is the word 
of God." This sword we would fain wield so skil- 
fully, and so efiectually, as with it to slay all oppo- 
sing error and false doctrine ; while at the same time, 
we labour to propagate and establish the pure princi- 
ples and teachings of the Christian economy — "the 
faith once delivered to the saints." 

As the cause of Universalism advances, (and ad- 
vance we are persuaded it must,) and still increasing 
numbers become thoroughly convinced of its truth, 

3 



REMAEKS. 



and satisfied that it is the real sum and substance of 
" the glorious gospel of the blessed God it is im- 
portant that its advocates and adherents should be 
admonished and urged, by all those endearing mo- 
tives, which the gospel furnishes, to show their 
faith by their works and to exhibit a course of 
virtuous conduct, and of pious devotion, correspond- 
ing with the excellence of their principles. This 
would be strictly complying with that important 
and comprehensive direction of the great gospel 
Teacher — "Let your light so shine before men, 
that they may see your good works, and glorify 
your Father which is in heaven." 

In the hope of contributing to the promotion of 
the spirit and practice of true piety, Christian obedi- 
ence, and the due and orderly worship and adoration 
of the ONE LIVING AND TRUE GoD, this book of 
religious devotion has been prepared, and is now 
respectfully presented to the public, and especially 
to the denomination of Universalis ts. 



ESSAY 

ON THE 

SUBJECT OF PRAYER. 



As the present publication consists chiefly of 
forms of prayer for public worship and other occa- 
sions, it has been thought expedient to offer some 
observations upon the duty ^nd the design of prayer. 
This appears to us the more necessary because, as 
we apprehend, the subject has not — by some at 
least — been correctly understood. 

Although prayer is a generally acknowledged 
duty, it is by many much neglected, and by others, 
as we apprehend, most improperly performed, with 
views and motives most incorrect, superstitious, and 
even absurd. 

It can scarcely have escaped observation, that 
even among Christians the idea seems to be enter- 
tained, that prayer exerts an influence upon the im- 
mutable Jehovah himself; often causes him to be 
more benevolent and propitious, and better disposed 
toward his creatures ; and induces him in some in- 
stances, to alter his views and his purposes concern- 
ing them. Whereas, it must we think be evident, 
on the slightest reflection, that the whole effect of 
prayer, and of every other religious duty, must be 
upon ourselves^ and not upon the supreme and inde- 
pendent Creator and Governor of all things ; who, 
as the prophet declares, "is of one mind, and who 
can change Him ?" And although passages are not 

27 



28 



ESSAY ON THE 



unfrequently found in the Sacred writings, which 
seem to convey a different meaning; and if taken 
literally, according to the usual acceptation of the 
terms employed, would strongly intimate that human 
supplications and intercessions do really affect the 
Almighty, and render him more favourably inclined 
toward his creatures ; yet such expressions, in ref- 
erence to God, like very many others, m.ust not be 
interpreted strictly, but considered as the language 
of accommodation ; and spoken familiarly, and after 
the manner of men. For the purpose of illustra- 
tion we Avill give an instance or two of this manner 
of speaking. When Noah, after the flood, had built 
an altar, and offered burnt-ofierings upon it, it is 
said — " And the Lord smelled a sweet savour ; and 
the Lord said in his hearts, I Avill not again curse the 
ground any more for man's sake." Now to under- 
stand this passage, in reference to the Supreme 
Being, according to the literal meaning of the lan- 
guage employed, would shock credulity itself. 
Again, the offering of Christ for the redemption of 
man, is, by the apostle Paul, called "a sacrifice to 
God for a sweet-smelling savour meaning there- 
by, that it was according to the will and purpose of 
God. 

But it may be inquired — If prayers have no effect 
on God, in what does their utility consist ? We an- 
swer as before — In the effect they have upon our- 
selves, and upon community ; as will be subsequent- 
ly noticed. 

The duty of prayer, when properly understood, 
will be found to coincide with the fundamental prin- 
ciples of Christianity — that is, a conscious depend- 
ance on God ; a confidence in his goodness ; and 
charity and goodwill toward our fellow men. 

First, it is an acknowledgment of our dependance 
on God as the author of our being, and the giver of 



SUBJECT OF PRAYER. 



29 



all good. This clependance we are too prone to for- 
get, or not sufficiently to realize. If we do not 
claim to be irresponsible and independent, we too 
often live and act as if we were so ; and in our con- 
duct too nearly resemble those impious and pre- 
sumptuous characters described by the man of Uz, 
who say unto God, Depart from us ; for we desire 
not the knowledge of thy ways. What is the Al- 
mighty, that we should serve him ? and what profit 
should we have if we pray unto him ?" 

Now the habitual attendance on the duty of prayer, 
has a tendency to humble the pride of man, suppress 
the insolence of ungoverned ambition, and teach 
men of all ranks and conditions, that, as the wise 
man says, " There is one higher than the highest," 
and as the humbled king of Babylon confessed, 
"Those that walk in pride he is able to abase." 

Prayer is an acknowledgment of this dependance, 
and impresses a sense of it upon the mind. It is in 
its nature a confession of weakness and indigence ; 
it is an acknowledgment that we are insufficient for 
our own safety and welfare, and therefore look to 
another for those succours, and for the supply of 
those necessities which cannot be furnished from our 
own resources. It is also, especially upon Chris- 
tian principles, an acknowledgment of unworthi- 
ness and guilt, on account of which we implore the 
divine compassion and favour. 

Prayer implies, secondly, a confidence in the 
goodness of God — the belief that he is not only 
able, but disposed to grant us the good things we 
ask of him, as far as he sees them necessary and ex- 
pedient for us. It surely cannot be our duty to pray 
that God would do for ourselves or others, that 
which we do not believe he purposes to do, or which 
we have no confidence or hope that he ever will do. 
We are directed to " ask in faith, nothing wavering," 

3^ 



30 



ESSAY ON THE 



and to "lift up holy hands without wrath and douht- 
ing.'' The prophet Isaiah upbraids idolaters with 
the folly and absurdity of praying unto a God that 
cannot save. But it would not be less absurd to 
pray to a God whom we believe will not save, though 
he possesses the ability. 

Thirdly ; prayer, especially public prayer, is an 
expression of charity and goodwill toward our fel- 
low-men ; and when offered up for all mankind, in 
all stations and relations in life, it is an expression 
of the most pure and unlimited benevolence. It is 
publicly desiring God, the source of all goodness, to 
be as kind and merciful to others, as to ourselves : 
and to make all his rational offspring the happy sub- 
jects of his grace and salvation. And this is calcu- 
lated to have a most salutary influence upon society 
in general, and to prevent the perpetration of crime 
and mischief : for how can men indulo^e in malice 
and spite, injustice and cruelty toward each other, or 
even toward enemies, if they sincerely and habitual- 
ly offer up prayers to God in their behalf, and en- 
treat him to forgive and bless them? This religious 
exercise can hardly fail to exert — at least to a con- 
siderable extent — a restraining, and softening in- 
fluence, very favourable to the peace and good order 
of society. Agreeably to this the Apostle, in his 
first Episile to Timothy sav's, "I exhort therefore, 
that first of all supplications, prayers, intercessions, 
and giving of thanks be made for all men ; for kings, 
and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a 
peaceable and quiet life, in all godliness and honesty.'''' 

This apostolic direction is so appropriate to the 
subject of this brief essay, that it deserves particu- 
lar attention. And first I remark upon it, that the 
requisition to pray and give thanks for all men, is of 
itself an unanswerable argument for the ultimate 
salvation and happiness of all men. 



SUBJECT OF PRAYER. 



31 



It is impossible, I apprehend, to reconcile the pas- 
sage with the opposite doctrine of endless suffering. 
With a certain doctrine which has long been retain- 
ed in human creeds, it forms a perfect contrast, and 
is utterly irreconcilable : I mean the once popular 
doctrine of eternal election and reprobation — that, 

by the decree of God, for the manifestation of his 
glory, some men and angels are elected to everlast- 
ing life, and others foreordained to everlasting 
death." Here the question arises, can it be required 
that Christians should pray for all good things for 
all men, in direct opposition to God's decree, 
whereby, for ' his own glory,' he hath foreordained 
a part of mankind to endless perdition and misery? 

Would not thus praying for all men express an 
extent of benevolence, which, according to the 
abovcnamed decree, never entered into the Divine 
counsels, and contrary to God's eternal purpose ? 
Must we pray for all temporal and spiritual good 
things for those concerning whom their Maker has 
determined that they shall be the miserable objects 
of his hatred and wrath for ever? To pray for their 
present and future happiness, would, in this view, 
be opposing the divine will; and to pray for their 
conversion, and their deliverance from sin and 
misery, would be to intercede with God to violate, 
or to alter his own decree, and prevent the accom- 
plishment of his eternal purpose and foreordination 
concerning them. It would be begging him to do 
that which he had determined should not be done, 
or which according to another theory, he knew from 
the beginning would never take place. Can such 
prayers be according to the mind and will of God 1 
Surely not. 

The orthodox clergy therefore (as they choose to 
be distinguished) and others, ought, in all reason 
and conscience, to alter, either their prayers or their 



32 



ESSAY ON THE 



principles : either to adopt a sentiment which will 
allow them to have some faith and hope that God 
will ultimately manifest his favour and goodness 
unto all men, or else cease to ask him to do it. 

The minister who preaches doctrines which he 
does not believe, is justly pronounced dishonest and 
hypocritical. But is it not equally inconsistent, and 
indeed far miOre reprehensible, for a person to ad- 
dress to God in prayer, sentiments in which he has 
no confidence, which he disbelieves and utterly dis- 
claims ? 

It appears to me this is a serious matter, and 
ought to be seriously considered. There should be 
a uniformity of sentiment expressed in preaching 
and in prayer : for to pray in the language, and ac- 
cording to the principle of universal grace and sal- 
vation, and in preaching to labour to support the doc- 
trine of 'partial grace, and of endless punishment, is 
like 'a fountain which sends forth at the same place, 
both sweet waters and bitter and too nearly ver- 
ifies that other declaration of the apostle James — 
" out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and 
cursing.-' Vrell might he add, ''My brethren, these 
things ought not so to be." 

The above remarks go to show, and if I mistake 
not, do make it appear irrefutably, that if we are di- 
vinely directed, which none will deny, to pray for 
the salvation and happiness of all men, then the doc- 
trine which inculcates that sentiment must ultimate- 
ly prove true ; otherwise we are required to pray for 
that which God never intended to accomplish ; or 
else that he intended it, knowinof, at the same time, 
that he never should., and determining that he never 
uould accomplish it. I see no way of escape from 
one or the other of these conclusions ; the latter, it 
will be agreed, is inadmissible ; the former therefore 
must be true. 



SUBJECT OF PEAYER. 



^ 33 



But the passage of Scripture upon which we are 
commenting, directs that not only prayers, but " giv- 
ing of thanks also, be made for all men." So that 
if any are too careless, or too wicked and ungrateful 
to perform the duty themselves. Christians and 
Christian ministers are required to do it for them, 
and in their behalf: that thank-offerings and praise 
may be continually presented to the universal Pa- 
rent — God over all, blessed for evermore" — for 
the entire human family ; in joyful anticipation of 
that happy period, that glorious consummation, 
when, in the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, 
of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things 
under the earth ; and when every tongue shall 
confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of 
God the Father" — " And giving of thanks for all 
men." 

But can it be believed that we should be required 
to give thanks for all men, if to a part of mankind 
existence will not be a favour, but an eternal curse ? 
Must we give thanks in behalf of all men, when a 
large portion of them (some have thought far the 
greatest part) are to be sinful, degraded, and misera- 
bly tormented, world without end ? No requisition 
could be more absurd. 

Shall we be told that we should give thanks for 
all men on account of the many temporal blessings 
they enjoy ? Surely if these momentary enjoyments, 
Avill, with many of them, be succeeded by an infinite 
duration of sorrow, despair and wretchedness, these 
temporal gifts can be no cause of gratitude, either to 
themselves or others. 

Or will it be urged that we should give thanks for 
all men because by the mercy of God in the media- 
tion of Jesus Christ sufficient provision (as it is 
often said) is made for the salvation of all ?" Here 
then we inquire. How can that be a sujicient pro- 



34 



ESSAY ON THE 



vision which fails to accomplish the end proposed, 
and which, it was known from the beginning^, would 
fail, and consequently would be insiifficient 1 In 
this view of the subject then, we determine, we 
think with certainty, that there can be no just ground 
for the exhortation to give thanks for all men, if any 
part of mankind, on any account whatever, will fail 
of salvation, and be endlessly miserable. 

Should it be urged that, not knowing who shall 
be the subjects of these sufferings in a future state, 
we may give thanks generally for all men ; it is ob- 
vious that this circumstance does not in reality alter 
the case at all, since it is admitted, and strenuously 
contended, that future endless sufferinor will be the 
destiny of some. In this view, and according to 
this sentiment, our giving thanks for all is only the 
result of our ignorance, because did we but know 
the event of things, and what will be the fate of 
mankind individually, innumerable instances would 
be exhibited, in reference to which it would be im- 
possible that we should sincerely give thanks. I 
have dwelt at considerable length upon this point, 
and I cannot but think the arguments in relation to 
it, are reasonable and conclusive. 

Before dismissing this part of the subject, it is 
proper to notice, that after exhorting that supplica- 
tions, prayers, &c., be made for all men, the Apostle 
particularly mentions "kings, and all that are in au- 
thority :" that is, civil rulers of every grade, and 
without distinction of character, whether good and 
virtuous, or otherwise. It is, therefore, the positive 
duty of Christians to pray for the "powers that be," 
as " ordained of Ood." And this was uniformly the 
practice of the primitive Christians. 

When St. Cyprian defended himself before the 
Roman Proconsul, he said, among other things, 
"We pray to God, not only for ourselves, but for all 



SUBJECT OF PRAYER. 



35 



mankind, and particularly for the emperors." Ter- 
tulian, in his Apology, is still more particular, and 
says, *' We pray for all the emperors, that God may 
grant them long life, a secure government, a pros- 
perous family, vigorous troops, a faithful senate, and 
obedient people ; and that the whole world may be 
in peace, and that God may grant, both to Cesar, 
and to every man, the accomplishment of their just 
desires." Origen says, ''We pray for kings and ru- 
lers, that with their royal authority, they may be 
found possessing a wise and prudent mind." They 
prayed, according to the direction of our Saviour, 
even for those by whom they were grievously per- 
secuted. 

We proceed to inquire for what purpose, and in 
view of what object, we are directed to offer up 
prayers, intercessions, &c., for all men. This, by 
the Apostle, is immediately subjoined, namely, " that 
we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, in all god- 
liness and honesty." 

And here I would take occasion to remark, and I 
do it in confidence and from careful observation, that 
the Scriptures never call upon us to pray that either 
ourselves, or any of the human race, may be saved 
from sufferings in a future state; nor is there a sin- 
gle example of any prayer to that effect in all the 
Bible. Neither the prophets, our Saviour, nor the 
apostles, that we have any account of, ever prayed 
that either themselves or others might be saved from 
endless punishment, or from any punishment in an- 
other world, and they never directed any one so to 
pray. But why did they not? For the best reason 
in the world : because God never subjected mankind 
to such punishment — never made them liable to it. 
He made the creature, the whole intelligent creation, 
in this world, subject to vanity, and to many evils ; 
all of which, however, we are assured he will over- 



36 



ESSAY ON THE 



rule for good. But he never exposed mankind to 
unseen sufferings and torments in a future and un- 
known state of being. And this, doubtless, is the 
reason why the Scriptures have not directed men to 
pray to be saved from such a state, nor have given 
examples of any that ever did pray in this manner. 
I state this with entire confidence of its truth. 

But what is the burden of a great part of the 
prayers that are offered up to God in the present 
day ? Why, not so much that the people may be 
delivered from their sms, and from the miseries con- 
sequent upon them in this world, but that their poor 
souls may be saved from hell torments, from the 
devil and his angels, and from Almighty wrath and 
vengeance in a world to come. These are the exhi- 
bitions of tremendous import, by which, in strains of 
awful eloquence, the absurdly styled preachers of 
good tidings have amused some, and alarmed to dis- 
traction others, of their unfortunate hearers. Even 
the sick and the dying have often not been suffered to 
close their short and weary pilgrimage of life, by 
paying the last sad debt of nature, without being 
visited by these miserable comforters who, in- 
stead of soothing the wretched sufferer, and the 
afflicted relatives, by consoling representations of 
the infinite compassion and goodness of Jehovah, 
and the riches of redeeming grace, thus bidding 
"despair and anguish flee the struggling soul," while 
"his last faltering accents whisper praise" — instead 
of such humane attentions; instead of ministering 
such Christian consolations, they have often terrified 
the imagination, and the yet lingrering spark of rea- 
son and reflection, with frightful representations of 
impending horrors — have prayed for them, and ve- 
hemently exhorted them to pray for themselves, that 
their anorrv and terrible Maker would save them 
from the dreadful gulf of misery and wo, into 



SUBJECT OF PRAYEK. 



37 



which they must otherwise be plunged the moment 
they yield up the ghost. 

Now where, I inquire, is the authority for such 
proceedings? or where any proper example to war^ 
rant them? They have originated in the supersti- 
tions^ and are found only among the traditions of 
men. 

St. Paul teaches us with what view, and for what 
object we should offer prayers and thanksgivings for 
all men, and especially for such as are in authority. 
It is '* that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in 
all godliness and honesty." 

Here it is obvious that godliness and honesty are 
put as comprehending the sum of all Christian duty 
and obligation. So the Apostle doubtless meant to 
be understood. Godliness consists in being like 
God, as far as human peccability will admit. It con^ 
sists in a conformity to His will, and in an imitation 
of His character and conduct ; in purity of motive^ 
integrity of principle, and unvarying, universal be- 
nevolence* Honesty relates particularly to our in- 
tercourse and dealings with mankind ; and implies 
sincerity and candour, and strict rectitude and fideli- 
ty; that we cheerfully render to all their just dues ; 
that we neither do nor wish anything injurious 
to any person ; and, in short, that we study to fulfil 
that most reasonable and comprehensive injunction 
of our Saviour, deservedly called the golden rule of 
equity— "As ye would that men should do to you, 
do ye even so to them, for this is the law and the 
prophets." 

Such "godliness and honesty" tend, above all 
things, to produce, and to preserve peace and quiet- 
ness. Indeed, if they were uniformly and univer^ 
sally practised, a " quiet and peaceable" life would 
De the unfailing consequence. 

Now sincere prayer has a direct tendency to pi*o-* 
4 



38 



ESSAY ON THE 



mote godliness and honesty, and of course peace 
and quietness among mankind. And this it does, 
not by efiecting any change in the disposition or the 
purposes of God, as was before observed, but by 
the influence which the practice of the duty is cal- 
culated to exert upon ourselves, and upon society. 
We have already noticed that prayer is an acknowl- 
edgement of our dependance on God, and that the 
habitual practice of it has a tendency to impress a 
sense of that dependance on the minds of men. It 
implies also a confidence in the goodness of God, 
and increases that confidence ; and these views of 
the Supreme Being, and of the relation in which we 
stand to Him, form the very foundation of godli- 
ness. 

It was also before observed that prayers, and es- 
pecially public prayers, sincerely offered up in be- 
half of all mankind, are an expression of pure be- 
nevolence ; and the practice of the duty tends to 
increase that benevolence and good will : and there- 
fore it exerts a salutary influence on the minds of 
men. This it does by im.pressing upon them a sense 
of their mutual wants, and their mutual dependance 
and obligation ; and consequently its tendency is to 
lead to, and to promote honesty as well as godli- 
ness ; both which are necessary to a quiet and 
peaceable life. 

Praying for civil rulers, in particular, has a ten- 
dency to excite feelings of reverence for their sta- 
tion and authority, and a respect for the government 
and laws administered by them, and is adapted to 
have a restraining and favourable influence both up- 
on the rulers and subjects; and tends to promote the 
order and well-being of community, as well as the 
peace and comfort of individuals. Hence, by the 
prophet Jeremiah, the Lord gave directions to the 
captive Jews in Babylon, among other things, as 



SUBJECT OF PRAYER, 



39 



follows : And seek the peace of the city whither I 
have caused you to be carried away captives, and 
pray unto the Lord for it: for in the peace thereof, 
shall ye have peace." 

Without therefore supposing any alteration to be 
effected in the disposition or the purposes of the Al- 
mighty, in relation to mankind, by prayers, or other 
religious devotions ; their utility may be inferred 
from their being divinely enjoined, and from their 
influence upon the minds and the conduct of men. 

Let it not be thought then, that it is any part of 
the object of the foregoing remarks to undervalue 
the duty of prayer, either public or private, or to 
lessen in the view of any, its importance and obliga- 
tion ; No, far from it. It should be considered a 
great privilege as well as a great duty. Not, let it 
be repeated, with the view that it will effect any sort 
of change in the Supreme Being — in his disposition, 
his will, or his purposes. This can never be desi- 
rable. This, were it possible, ought above all things 
to be deprecated ; and for this plain reason, that they 
cannot be changed for the better. Infinite wisdom, 
goodness, and benevolence, admit of no augmenta- 
tion : neither can they suffer any diminution. Let 
heaven and earth rejoice ! Creation is safe. But 
if the prayers and intercessions, however sincere, of 
frail, ignorant, erring man, who often mistakes, and 
even opposes his own happiness, and the best good 
of others, if his prayers could prevail to effect an 
alteration or variableness in the divine mind and 
counsels ; or could, in any degree, control or in- 
fluence the Creator, in his government of the uni- 
verse, or of any human being, then praying persons 
M^ould, of all others, be the most dangerous : they 
might do themselves and others the greatest pos- 
sible injury, and even rui7i the loorld by their 
prayers I 



40 



ESSAY OX THE 



If I should admit the idea as correct, that the fer- 
vent supplications and entreaties of men, or of the 
best Christians, could ever alter, or be the occasion 
of altering, the will of God in anything; or of 
changing or disannulling one of his purposes ; in- 
stead of exhorting that men pray everywhere," I 
would beg and entreat them never to pray at all. I 
am satisfied that the original counsels of Jehovah 
are perfectly wise and good : I wish no other desti- 
ny for myself, nor for any creature of God, than 
those counsels have determined ; and I desire they 
may remain unaltered, and unalterable for ever. 
And so they doubtless will ; for thus saith the divine 
testimony by the prophet Isaiah. O Lord, thou art 
nay God, I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; 
for thou hast done wonderful things ; thy counsels 
of old are faithfulness and truth." And Solomon 
declares, "There are many devices in a man's heart; 
nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall 
stand." 

Obvious therefore, as I think it must be, that the 
benefits of prayer must be in the effect they produce 
upon r/ian. and not upon his 3Iaker, who is of one 
mind and cannot be changed,* we should always 

* A passage in the 5th chapter of the Epistle of James has 
often been quoted as proof of the efficacy of prayer, in prevail- 
ing upon the Supreme Being to alter his conduct, and even his 
disposition toward mankind, or toward certain portions of them in 
particular cases. The passage is as follows : "The effectual fer- 
vent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Elias was a man 
subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it 
might not rain : and it rained not on the earth by the space of 
three years and six months. And he prayed again and the heav- 
ens gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit." 

The account here given of Elias, or Elijah's praying, and the 
effect which followed, refers to the time of the reign of Ahab, 
kmg of Israel, as stated in the 17th chapter of the 1st Book of 
Kings. 

It would seem however, from the history of the case as there 



SUBJECT OF PRAYER* 



41 



offer our prayers in humble submission, and entire 
resignation to the will and wisdom of God. Thus 
our Saviour himself prayed, in view of his ap- 
proaching sufferings, saying, " O my Father, if it 
be possible, let this cup pass from me : never- 
theless, not as I will, but as thou wilt." And in 
that incomparable form of prayer, which he gave as 
a guide and pattern for his followers, one of the pe- 

given, that it was rather a prediction, or prophetic declaration^ 
than a prayer. The language is as follows : " And Elijah the 
Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, 
As the Lord liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew 
nor rain these )'ears but according to my word." This was a 
solemn assertion, and doubtless prophetic, but the language is not 
that of prayer, or entreaty. Again when he announced to the 
king that rain was about to be sent, it was in these words ; Elijah 
said unto Ahab, " Get thee up, eat and drink, for there is a sound 
of abundance of rain." But neither is this the language of sup- 
plication or intercession. The purposes of God's providence, in 
the above instances, of withholding and of sending rain, being 
revealed to the prophet, and he being directed to declare them, 
he would, of course, desire their accomplishment, knowing they 
must be wise and benevolent ; and in this view, he may be said 
to have prayed, both for the drought, and for the succeeding rain, 
and God, in fulfilling his purposes in these dispensations, verified 
the prediction of Elijah according to his desire, or prayer. 

In like manner any prayer which falls in with God's purposes, 
will assuredly in due time be granted, and any prayer which is 
offered, however sincerely and fervently, which is contrary to 
God's design, or counsel, or which he sees not to be expedient, 
will as surely not be granted or fulfilled. For the divine pur- 
poses, formed in infinite wisdom, cannot be defective, and there- 
fore admit of no improvement, or variation ; and their accom- 
plishment, secured by Almighty power, cannot be prevented. 

There are some other declarations in the scriptures relating to 
the subject of prayer, v/hich have been thought to convey the 
idea that divine favours are sometimes granted in immediate an- 
swer to prayer, and which, but for our prayers, would be with- 
held, and that, therefore, prayer does have an influence upon God, 
and induce him to do for us what he otherwise would not do. 
Among the passages of this sort, are 1 John, iii. 21, 22, and v. 
14, 15. The former is as follows : " Beloved, if our heart con- 
demn us not, then have we confidence toward God, and whatso- 
ever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his command- 



4(2 



SUBJECT OF PRAYER. 



titions is, that the " will" of our heavenly Father 
may ''be done on earth, as it is in heaven \vhich 
comprehends the entire sum of all possible good to 
mankind. In this humble, dependant, cheerfully re- 
signed, and submissive temper and spirit may we 
always offer our prayers, and all our devotions, to 
the Father of mercies, and the God of all grace. 

ments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight." In 
the latter passage, the statement is thus ; " And this is the confi- 
dence that we have in him, that if we ask anything according to 
his will, he heareth us : and if we know that he hear us, whatso- 
ever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired 
of him." A little refiection must make it obvious that these 
statements, like many others, must be understood in a qualified 
sense. For it cannot be reasonable to expect that, although we 
may he assured that the Lord heareth all our prayers, and know- 
eth all our desires, that therefore, every particular desire of 
our hearts will be fulfilled, and that every petition we m.ay offer, 
will be literally granted. It would require a greater degree of 
knowledge than we can pretend to, to determine always, or per- 
haps, even at any time, what is good for us, or what would, in 
reality be for our advantage. Hence, another passage says, " We 
know not what we should pray for as we ought." We may often 
think a thing, or an event would conduce to our welfare and hap- 
piness, and may ardently desire it ; the effect of which, if grant- 
ed, would be most injurious. Hence, a writer very justly re- 
marks — "So frail, so blmd, so ignorant is man, that did not Heav- 
en, sometimes in mercy, deny us what we ask, v/e should be ruin- 
ed at our own request." The natural tendency of prayer is to 
beget and increase in our minds, a sense of dependance, and also, 
a confidence in the wisdom and beneficence of our Creator, and 
heavenly Father, and cheerful submission to his will, and when 
in this disposition of mind, we offer our petitions, they will be 
granted either strictly, according to our request, or in suhstance, 
and even better than we desired, and at the most proper time ; in 
conformity with the devout and confident ascription of the Apos- 
tle, *' Now unto him that is able to do exceeding, abundantly, 
above all that we ask or thinh, according to the power that work- 
eth in us," &c. Our prayers should always be in submission to 
the divine will and wisdom, in agreement with the direction of 
our Saviour — " Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven," 
and according also to his blessed example, " my Father, if it 
be possible, let this cup pass from me, nevertheless, not my will, 
but thme be done." 



THE 



UNIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



PUBLIC WORSHIP. 

A recommended manner of conducting public worship in the de- 
nomination of Universalists, on occasions when no regular Min- 
ister of the order is present. 

Let some suitable person among the brethren be chosen, or re- 
quested, to lead in the services ; and let him commence by- 
reading a chapter, or select portion of the holy Scriptures ; 
giving notice where the chapter or portion may be found. This 
being finished, let him, according to usual custom, read a 
hymn, and let the same be sung by the choir, or other persons 
present, as may be convenient. Let the person leading then 
offer a prayer, either extempore, if he be competent and so 
disposed, or else in the use of one of the forms of prayer for 
public worship, set forth in this book ; or in the use of one 
of the forms for public devotion prepared with Responses which 
follow these suggestions, as may be most agreeable. After 
this, another hymn may be sung. Then let a printed sermon, 
previously selected, be read, either by the person conducting 
the services, or by some other suitable person present. After 
the sermon, a hymn may again be sung, and the services be 
closed with a short prayer and benediction, or with the b^ne-e 
diction only, as may be thought expedient, 
43 



44 



TJNIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



A form of public services, ivith responses by the people, either for 
the morning or afternoon. 

After the reading of a chapter from the Bible, followed by the 
first singing, as is custoinar}'', the minister, or person leading, 
may proceed with the services by pronouncing two or three of 
the following select sentences of Scripture ; or such others as 
he may think appropriate. 

''The Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth 
keep silence before him." Hab. ii. 20. 

*'Frora the rising of the sun even unto the going 
down of the same, my name shall be great among 
the Gentiles ; and in every place incense shall be 
offered to my name, and a pure offering: for my 
name shall be great amons: the heathen, saith the 
Lord of Hosts." 3IaL i. 11. 

"Who is like unto thee, O Lord, amongst the 
gods? who is like unto thee, glorious in holiness, 
fearful in praises, doing wonders? The Lord shall 
reign for ever and ever." Ex. xv. 11— IS. 

" Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God 
Almighty ; just and true are thy ways, thou King of 
saints. Who shall not fear before thee, O Lord, 
and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for 
all nations shall come and worship before thee." 
Rev. XV. 3, 4. 

" They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their 
strength: they shall mount up with wings as eagles, 
they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk 
and not faint." Is. xl. 31. 

"Rend your heart and not your garments, and 
turn unto the Lord your God ; for he is gracious and 
merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and 
repenteth him of the evil." Joel ii. 13. 

" To the Lord our God belong mercies and for- 
giveness, though we have rebelled against him; nei- 
ther have we obeyed the voice of the Lord our God, 



PUBLIC WORSHIP. 



45 



to walk in his laws, which he set before us." Dan. 
ix. 9, 10. 

" I will arise and go to my father, and will say un- 
to him. Father, I have sinned against heaven and 
before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy 
son." Luke xv. 18, 19. 

" Seeing that we have a great high-priest that is 
passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God. Let 
us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, 
that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in 
time of need." Heh, iv. 14 — 16. 

*'The hour cometh, and now is, when the true 
worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and 
in truth : for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 
God is a spirit, and they that worship him, must 
worship him in spirit and in truth. John iv. 2, 24. 

" Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him 
only shalt thou serve." Matt, iv. 10. 

The minister may then address himself to the congregation in 
some such manner as the following : — 

Beloved brethren, ye see how urgently the Scrip- 
tures require it of us, both as a bounden duty, and 
a most desirable privilege to worship the Lord our 
God, to reverence and adore him on account of his 
greatness and the glory of his perfections, and espe- 
cially for his goodness and mercy, which endure for 
ever, and are over all the works of his hands ; and 
which have been so graciously and so wonderfully 
manifested to the children of men. 

And as we are assembled together at this time, 
unitedly to offer our devotions unto him, the Father of 
our spirits, to confess our sins before him, to render 
thanks for the great benefits we have received at his 
hands, to set forth his most worthy praise, to hear 
his most holy word, and to ask those things which 
are requisite and necessary, as well for the body as 



46 



TJNIVEKSALIST MANUAL. 



the soul; I therefore earnestly entreat you, as many 
as are here present, devoutly to accompany me, 
•with sincere hearts and humble voices, unto the 
throne of the heavenly grace. 

Let us pray. 

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy 
Name: thy kingdom come; thy will be done on 
earth as it is in heaven : Give us this day our daily 

The people may bread; and forgive us our trespasses, 
(^thfthe mmiS!^ we forgive tho^se who trespass against 
orieader. us ; and lead us not into temptation, 

but deliver us from evil ; for thine is the kingdom, 
and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. 
Amen. 

Minister. thou that hearest prayer, unto thee 
shall all flesh come. 

People. Thou turn est thee unto the prayer of 
the destitute, and despisest not their desire. 

J/. If thou Lord shouldest mark iniquities, O 
Lord who shall stand? 

P. But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou 
mayest be feared. 

M. O Lord, our heavenly Father, whose tender 
mercies are over all thy works, have mercy upon us, 
miserable sinners. 

P. Have mercy upon us. 

31. Remember not against us, O Lord, our mani- 
fold transgressions ; but spare and deliver us, that 
we may glorify thy name. 

P. Spare and deliver us, O Lord our God. 

31. From all blindness of mind ; from all self- 
dep^ndance, pride and hypocrisy; from envy, ha- 
tred and malice, and from all uncharitableness. 

P. Good Lord deliver us. 

M. From the corruptions of the world ; from un- 
reasonable and wicked men ; from all error and 



rUBLIC WORSHIP. 



47 



false doctrine: from hardness of heart, and con- 
tempt of thy holy word and commandment. 
P. Good Lord deliver us. 

M, We thy needy and sinful creatures do be- 
seech thee to hear us, O Lord our God ; and to 
grant us the protection of thy good providence, and 
in thy good time cause us to rejoice in the fulfil- 
ment of thy gracious promises ; in our salvation 
from sin, in the entire destruction of all evil and 
misery, and in the universal and perpetual reign of 
righteousness and peace. 

P. We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. 

M, That it may please thee to bless all Christian 
rulers and magistrates ; giving them grace and wis- 
dom to execute justice, and to maintain truth and 
order ; so that under the protection of equal laws, 
and impartially administered, we may lead a peacea- 
ble and quiet life, in all godliness and honesty, to 
the glory of thy holy name. 

P. We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. 

M, That it may please thee to enlighten all pub- 
lic religious ministers and teachers, with true knowl- 
edge, and a clear understanding of the Holy Scrip- 
tures ; and that both by their teaching and their 
good examples, they may constantly set forth and 
commend the truth to others. 

P. We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. 

M. That it may please thee to cause the light 
and comfort of the holy gospel of the heavenly 
grace to be diffused among all the nations and fami- 
lies of the earth, and everywhere to produce the 
peaceable fruits of righteousness. 

P. We beseech thee to hear us, goad Lord. 

M, That it may please thee to succour, help and 
comfort, all who are in danger, necessity, and tribu- 
lation. 

P* We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. 



48 



tJNIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



3L That it may please thee to bless and preserve 
all travellers by land or by water; all houseless 
wanderers ; all sick and destitute persons, and little 
children, and to show thy pity upon all prisoners 
and captives. 

P. We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. 

M. That it may please thee to defend and suc- 
cour all widows and orphans, and all such as suffei 
under oppression, bereavement and grief. 

P. We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. 

3L That it may please thee to be gracious to all 
our relatives, friends and neighbours ; to pity and for- 
give our enemies, and turn their hearts ; and to have 
mercy upon all men. 

P. We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. 

M. That it may please thee to give and preserve 
to our use, the kindly fruits of the earth, for our 
sustenance and enjoyment. 

P. We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. 

M, That it may please thee to give us true repen- 
tance for all the sins and errors of our past lives, 
and to give us grace to live for the future in cheerful 
obedience to thy holy will. 

P. We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. 

M, O Lord, let thy mercy be showed upon us. 

P. As we do put our trust in thee. 

M. O Lord, we beseech thee favourably to hear our 
supplications and prayers ; and grant that as we are just- 
ly punished for our offences, so we may be mercifully 
delivered by thy goodness, to the glory of thy name^ 
through Jesus Christ our Redeemer and Saviour. 

P. Amen. 

ill. With our prayers, O Lord, we would also 
offer our unfeigned thanksgivings for all thy mercies 
and thy loving-kindnesses, which have been ever of 
old, and which are graciously continued unto us, thy 
needy and dependant offspring. Thou art our God, 



PUBLIC WORSHIP* 



49 



and we will praise thee ; our father's God, and we 
will exalt thee. Thou hast created all things ; thou 
upholdest all things ; thou governest all things in 
intinite wisdom and goodness. Thou hast made of 
one blood all nations of men, to dwell on all the face 
of the earth, and hast determined the times before 
appointed, and the bounds of their habitation : that 
they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel 
after him, and find him ; and we rejoice that thou 
art not far from every one of us ; for in thee we live, 
and move, and have our being. 

P. Bless the Lord, O, our souls, and forget not 
all his benefits. 

M. Thy kingdom, O God, is an everlasting king- 
dom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all 
ages. Justice and judgment are the habitation of 
thy throne ; mercy and truth shall go before thy 
face. Our hearts shall rejoice in thy salvation : our 
mouths shall speak the praise of the Lord ; and let 
all flesh give thanks unto his holy name. Blessed 
be the name of the Lord our God from everlasting 
to everlasting ; and let all the people say Amen. 

P. Amen, Praise the Lord. 

Closing sicpplication. 
A LMIGHTY God, and heavenly Father, who hast 
given us grace at this time, with one accord, to 
make our supplications and to offer our thanksgivings 
and praises unto thee ; graciously vouchsafe to accept 
the same, and to sanctify these services to our spir- 
itual improvement. And we beseech thee, O Lord, 
to continue unto us the tokens of thy favour and 
goodness, as thou seest necessary and expedient for 
us, granting us, in this world, all things needful for 
life and godliness, and in the world to come life 
everlasting. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy 
Ghost, be with us all evermore. Amen, 

5 



50 



TOIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



Ariiother form of jpuhlic service with responses. 

The minister or leader may commence, as before suggested, by 
reading a portion of the holy Scriptures, singing, (Sec, and then, 
addressing the congregation, may say : 

Beloved brethren, let us unite in devout thanks- 
giving and prayer, to Almighty God, our heavenly 
Father. 

Minister. It is a good thing to render thanks- 
giving and praise unto thy name, O thou most 
Highest. 

People. To tell of thy loving-kindness early in 
the morning, and of thy ti%th in the nio:ht season. 

M. For thou hast made us glad through thy 
works. 

P. And we will give praise for the operation of 
thy hands. 

M. Thou art God, and there is none beside thee. 

P. God over all ; blessed for evermore. Amen. 

M. By the word of thy power, God, thou hast 
created all things. 

P. And for thy pleasure they are and were 
created. 

M, Thou doest thy pleasure in the armies of 
heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth. 

P. And there is none that can stay thy hand, or 
say unto thee. What doest thou ? 

31. Thou hast made of one blood, all nations of 
men, for to dwell on all the face of the earth. 

P. And thou hast determined the times before 
appointed, and the bounds of their habitation. 

M. That they should seek the Lord ; if haply 
they might feel after him, and find him. 

P. And behold ! He is not far from every one 
of us. 

M, In God we live, and move, and have our 
being. 



PUBLIC WORSHIP. 



51 



P. For verily, we are his offspring. 

31. Praise the Lord, O my soul ; and all that is 
within me praise his holy name. 

P. Praise the Lord, O our souls, and forget not 
all his benefits. 

M. I will magnify thee, O God, my King, and I 
will praise thy name for ever and ever. 

P. Every day will we give thanks unto thee, and 
praise thy name for ever and ever. 

M, Great is the Lord, and marvellous, worthy 
to be praised ; his greatness is unsearchable. 

P. One generation shall praise thy works to an- 
other, and shall declare thy mighty acts. 

i>f. As for me, I will be talking of thy worship, 
thy glory, thy praise, and thy wondrous works. 

P. The Lord is gracious, and full of compas- 
sion ; slow to anger and of great mercy. 

M. The Lord is good to all, and his tender mer- 
cies are over all his works. 

P. Thou openest thine hand, O Lord, and fillest 
all things living with plenteousness. 

31. Thy kingdom, O God, is an everlasting king- 
dom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all 
ages. 

P. The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and 
holy in all his works. 

M, My mouth' shall speak the praise of the 
Lord. 

P. And let all flesh give thanks unto his holy 
name, for ever and ever. 

31, Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be 
glad ; for the Lord God, omnipotent reigneth. 

P. Alleluia! Let everything that hath breath 
praise the Lord. 

31, (First saying ; Let us pray.) Accept, we humbly 
beseech thee, O Lord, our devout praises and thanks- 
givings ; and graciously hear the supplications which 



52 



UXIVERSALIST 3IANUAL. 



we now offer unto thee, through thy Son, our Sa- 
viour, Jesus Christ. 

P. Graciously hear us, O Lord. 

]\L O Almighty God, whose never-failing prov- 
idence ordereth all things, both in heaven and earth; 
we earnestly pray thee to put away from us every 
thing that is hurtful, and to give us all those good 
things which are needful for us, through Jesus Christ 
our Lord. 

P. Graciously hear us, O Almighty God. 

M. Grant, O Lord, we humbly beseech thee, 
that the course of this world may be so peaceably 
ordered by thy governance, that thy church and peo- 
ple may joyfully serve thee, in all godly quietness, 
through Jesus Christ, our Mediator, and Advocate. 

P. Graciously hear us, O Lord. 

M. O Lord, our God, who alone canst order the 
unruly wills and affections of sinful men, grant that 
we may always love the things which thou command- 
est, and desire those things which thou dost prom- 
ise, that so among the sundry and manifold changes 
of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed, 
where true joys are to be found, through Jesus Christ 
our Redeemer. 

P. Graciously hear us, O Lord, our God. 

3L O heavenly Father, who hatest none of thy 
creatures ; and who art kind, even to the unthankful 
and evil of mankind ; have mercy, we beseech thee, 
upon all Jews, Turks, Heathens, and Heretics ; and 
so bring them home, blessed Lord, to thy flock, that 
they may be saved among the remnant of the true 
Israelites, and be made one fold under one Shep- 
herd, Jesus Christ, our Saviour. 

P. Graciously hear us, O heavenly Father. 

M. O Father of all mercies, and God of all grace, 
who art always more ready to hear than we to pray ; 
who knowest our necessities before we ask, and our 



PUBLIC WORSHIP. 



53 



ignorance in asking ; and who art both able, and 
disposed to do for us better, and far more abundant- 
ly, than we can either ask or think; teach us to rev- 
erence and adore thy character: to magnify the 
riches of thy mercy and grace, and to live in cheer- 
ful obedience to thy will and commandments, all the 
days of our life, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. 

P. Graciously hear us, O Father of mercies. 

M, Almighty God, who hast given us grace at 
this time, with one accord to make our supplications 
and prayers, and to offer our thanksgivings and 
praises unto thee ; whose name only, is most excel- 
lent and adorable. We beseech thee to regard with 
favour, these our sincere, though feeble and imper- 
fect services. And since we are wholly dependant 
on thy care and bounty ; continue, we humbly pray 
thee, and increase unto us, the tokens of thy mercy, 
and grant us thy constant guidance and support, that 
we may be safely conducted through the perils and 
changes of this our earthly pilgrimage, to that heav- 
enly state of rest and blessedness, designed as the 
permanent home and portion of all the now frail 
children of humanitv, accordino^ to the eternal coun- 
sels of thine infinite wisdom and love, revealed in 
the glorious gospel of thy Son Jesus Christ, our 
blessed Redeemer and Saviour. 

P. Even so. Amen. 

M. To God, only wise, and infinitely good, be 
ascribed all honour and glory, dominion and poAver. 

P. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever 
shall be, world without end. Amen. 
This service may then be closed with the Lord's Prayer, repeated 

by the minister and people together. 

5* 



54 



TJXIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



A Prayer for Public Worship. — Morning. 
A LMIGHTY God, who hast made it the duty of all 
men to reverence and worship thee, as their great 
Creator, and the Father of their spirits; and who 
by thy Son Jesus Christ, hast taught us to address 
ourselves unto thee with the humble confidence of 
children imploring the aid of an indulgent Parent — 
In compliance with this duty, and which is also a 
most inestimable privilege, we would at this time 
present our supplications unto thee in the name, and 
according to the direction of thy well-beloved Son 
to his early disciples, saying, Our Father, who art in 
heaven, hallowed be thy name : thy kingdom come : 
thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven : give 
us this day our daily bread ; and forgive us our tres- 
passes, as we forgive those who trespass against us i: 
and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us fromi 
evil : for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and 
the glory, for ever. Amen.''^ 

O Lord our heavenly Father, we earnestly pray 
that our hearts may always be deeply impressed 
with a sense of thy greatness, and of thine infinite 
goodness ; that we may sincerely reverence, and de- 
voutly adore thee : that we may put our whole trust 
in thee, and with humble confidence resign ourselves 
to thy wise direction and governance in all the cir- 
cumstances and events of our lives ; being firmly 
persuaded that thy loving-kindness will never be ut- 
terly taken from us, nor thy faithfulness fail. May 
the influences of thy grace and good spirit deliver 
us from our sins ; help our infirmities ; incite us to 
that which is good ; strengthen us to perform the 
same, and keep us steadfast therein. 

We desire, O Lord, with reverence and deep hu- 
mility, to confess and lament before thee this morn- 
ing, our manifold sins and transgressions. We 
would acknowledge with contrition and self-abase- 



PUBLIC WORSHIP. 



55 



anent, that we have erred and strayed from thy ways 
like lost sheep. We have followed too much the 
•corrupt desires and devices of our own hearts. We 
have left undone the good things which we ought to 
have performed, and we have done those evil things 
which thou hast forbidden. But thou, O Lord, have 
mercy upon us, miserable offenders. Make us truly 
contrite before thee, under a sense of our sins, and 
of our great ingratitude to thee, the God of our 
lives, and the Father of mercies. May thy good- 
ness lead us to sincere repentance, even to the turn- 
ing us from all our iniquities, and from every evil 
way, that we may henceforth live a sober, righteous, 
and godly life, to the glory of thy holy name. 

And we most earnestly supplicate thy mercy and 
grace, O Lord, for all mankind ; that thy way may 
be known upon earth, thy saving health among all 
nations: that the people may praise thee, O God ; 
yea, that all the people may praise thee : that the 
nations may rejoice and be glad, because thou shalt 
judge the folk righteously, and govern the nations 
upon earth. To this end we pray that the light of 
truth may everywhere dispel the darkness of igno- 
rance and error : that the word of the Lord may 
have free course, and be glorified. May the gospel 
of peace and salvation be faithfully proclaimed, and 
cordially embraced, in its true spirit, and in its ren- 
ovating influence, in all places : to the breaking 
down of the empire of sin and death, till at length, 
the whole of thy dispersed sheep may be gathered 
into one fold, under one Shepherd, Jesus Christ, our 
Lord. 

With our prayers, O heavenly Father, we would 
offer unto thee our sincere and devout thanksgivings 
and praise for all the manifestations of thy good- 
ness and loving-kindness to us, and to the world of 
mankind. We bless tliee for our creation, and pres* 



o6 



U^'IYERSALIST MANUAL. 



ervation, and for the bounties of thy providence, by 
which our temporal wants are daily supplied. Es- 
pecially we would adore thee, O blessed Lord God, 
for the unspeakable gift of thy Son, for our redemp- 
tion ; and that to fulfil the purpose of thy love con- 
cerning the human race, he freely gave himself a 
ransom for all to be testified in due time. May we 
herein behold what manner of love, O heavenly 
Father, thou hast bestowed upon us ; and may we 
be enabled, by the influence of that love, to show 
forth thy most worthy praise, not only Avith our lips, 
but in our lives ; by walking before thee in holiness 
and righteousness, all our days. 

And since we are favoured with this opportunity 
of unitin gr together in social worship, accept, O Lord, 
we beseech thee, our humble offering, and crown us 
and our religious services with thy blessing, accord- 
ing to our necessities, and thy good pleasure ; grant- 
ing us in this world, the knowledge of thy truth, 
and in the world to come life and glory immortal : 
through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. 

A31EN. 

Prayer before Sermon in the Afternoon. 

J^LMIGHTY God, the Father of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, and the Father of mercies — We thy frail 
and needy creatures desire to humble ourselves be- 
fore thee, under a deep sense of our sins and great 
unworthiness, and of our entire dependance on thy 
goodness and bounty. We would also come before 
thee with the voice of thanksgiving and praise, in a 
grateful acknowledgment of thy favour and loving- 
kindness, so variously, and so constantly manifested 
toward us. What shall we render unto the Lord 
for all his benefits ? We will take the cup of salva- 
tion, and will call on the name of the Lord. 

We would adore thee, and praise thy name, O 



PUBLIC WORSHIP. 



57 



hi3avenly Father, for all the temporal blessings of 
tliiy good providence, which are still continued unto 
u s, and by which our numerous, and constantly re- 
turning wants are so bountifully supplied, giving us 
t ichly all things to enjoy. We thank thee, especial- 
ly for our religious and Christian privileges : for the 
means of knowledge and grace, and for the hope of 
everlasting salvation and glory, through our Lord 
and Saviour, Jesus Christ. In view of these inesti- 
imable favours, and heavenly prospects, may we no 
longer yield ourselves, nor any of our faculties of 
hody or mind, as instruments of unrighteousness 
unto sin : but may we yield ourselves unto God, as 
those that are alive from the dead, and our members 
as instruments of righteousness unto God. May 
thy testimonies be our study, and thy worship and 
service our holy delight and our joy. 

Guide us, O Lord, we pray thee, in the way of 
truth and peace. Prepare us for all the events of 
thy providence which yet await us in this transitory 
state : sustain us by thy grace in every trial ; sup- 
port and comfort us in affliction, and sanctify to us 
.all thy dispensations. In prosperity may we be 
humble and grateful : in adversity m.ay we be re- 
i signed and patient; and with thine apostle of old, 
may we learn in whatsoever state we are therewith 
to be content. 

We devoutly thank thee, O heavenly Father, for 
the opportunity of assembling this afternoon for thy 
worship. May we solemnly realize how great, and 
how good a thing it is, to worship the Lord in the 
heauty of holiness. Be in the midst of us, we pray 
thee, by thy gracious influences. Sanctify us to 
these holy services, and shower down thy blessings 
upon us, suited to our various circumstances and 
wants ; and may each of us find it good for us to be 
here. May every part of these religious exercises 



58 



r^-IVERSALIST ^lAXUAL. 



be devoutly performed to thine acceptance, and to 
our edification. May we praise thee with joyful 
hearts : may we call upon thee in sincerity and fer- 
Tour ; and may the instructions and counsels which 
shall be communicated to us, be in accordance with 
the word of truth, and the gospel of thy grace — 
even that word of the Lord which endureth for ever. 
And may the same be cordially received, and bring 
forth in us the fruits of holiness and sincere obe- 
dience, to the glory and praise of thy holy name, O 
our Father, and our God. 

And grant, we earnestly entreat thee, O Lord, that 
the divine instructions, the rich consolations, and 
the sublime hopes of the gospel may be extended to 
all mankind : that the earth may be full of the 
knowledore of the Lord : that all people may wor- 
ship thee, sing of thee, and praise thy name — which 
is great, wonderful and holy. To this end we pray 
that the word of the Lord may have free course and 
be glorified : that its heavenly light may penetrate 
the yet benighted parts of the earth, where gross 
darkness covers the minds of the people ; convert- 
ing sinners from the error of their way: turning 
the heart of the fathers with the children, and the 
disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make 
ready, among them also, a people prepared for the 
Lord. 

Heavenly Father, we would ofi'er our fervent pe- 
titions in behalf of all worshipping congregations 
this day, wherever assembled. May the divine in- 
fluences be with them. 3Iay the voice of him that 
bringeth good tidings be heard amonof them, publish- 
ing peace and salvation, and saying unto Zion, 

Thy God reigneth and may great grace be upon 
them all. ]\Iay the cause of virtue and piety, and of 
pure Dfospel truth and heavenly charity, be promoted 
this day, to the honour of thy name, and the in- 



PUBLIC WORSHIP. 



59 



creased happiness and joy of thy peoj)le, O Lord 
our God. 

And now, holy Father, in closing our supplica- 
tions at this time, we would, with humble confi- 
dence, address ourselves unto thee in the form and 
language prescribed by thy Son Jesus to his early 
disciples — saying as taught by him, " Our Father, 
who art in heaven," &c. 

[Repeat the Lord's Prayer entire]. 

For Morning, before Sermon. 
r^UR Father who art in heaven — We adore thee 
as the high and holy one who inhabiteih eterni- 
ty, whose nature and whose name is love. We re- 
joice that all eyes are permitted to wait upon thee, 
and that thou openest thy hand and nllest all things 
living with plenteousness. We rejoice exceedingly 
in the privilege of addressing thee by the endearing 
name of Father, We lament that we have so often 
been such ungrateful and disobedient children of a 
most kind and indulgent parent ; who notwithstand- 
ing our waywardness, and our repeated deviations 
from the path of duty, hath never forsaken us, nor 
withheld from us the tokens of his mercy and lov- 
ing-kindness. Numerous as our daily v/ants, O 
heavenly Father, and unceasing as our entire depend- 
ance, have thy blessings been showered down upon 
us. Thy care has watched over us in the darkness 
and in the light, which to thee are both alike ; for 
the darkness is no darkness with thee, and thou 
hast guarded us amid dangers innumerable, both 
seen and unseen by mortal eyes. 

We praise thee especially, O our Father and our 
God, for the gospel of thy free and boundless grace, 
in which are eminently exhibited the eternal pur- 
poses of thy love : by \vhich life and immortality 
have been brought to light : which furnishes a hope, 
which maketh not ashamed, and which is as an an- 



60 



UNIYERSALIST MANUAL. 



chor to the soul, both sure and steadfast. May we 
duly prize these wonderful displays of thy goodness 
to the children of men. May we manifest our ar- 
dent gratitude, by lives of virtuous obedience, and 
pious resignation to thy holy will. 

We thank thee, O gracious Father, that in the 
midst of dangers thou hast preserved our lives to 
the present time, and that by thy good providence 
we have been permitted to assemble together this 
morning for Christian and social worship ; to unite 
in the solemn services of religious devotion, of sup- 
plications and prayers, of praise and thanksgiving ; 
and that we may derive instruction and consolation 
from thy holy word. Bless us, we pray thee, in our 
devotions at this time, and let the words of our 
mouth and the meditations of our heart be accepta- 
ble in thy sight, O Lord our strength and our Re- 
deemer. Refresh us with the tokens of thy love 
and favour; for thy favour is life, and thy loving- 
kindness is better than life. May we be sensible of 
our dependance on thee, and may we have an abi- 
ding confidence in thy mercy, and thy Fatherly care; 
being assured that thou carest for us. May we 
never be left, even in the darkest seasons, and the 
most trying circumstances, to distrust thy goodness, 
or charge our Maker foolishly ; but may we remem- 
ber the declaration of thy servant of old, that the 
Lord doth not afflict willingly, nor grieve the chil- 
dren of men; that though he cause grief, yet will he 
have compassion according to the multitude of his 
mercies ; and that though our strength and our heart 
fail us, God will be the strength of our heart, and 
our portion for ever. 

Forgive our sins, we beseech thee, O Lord, for 
they are great, and our transgressions for they are 
many. They are a burden too heavy for us to bear; 



PUBLIC WOE SHIP. 



61 



O deliver ns from them for thy mercy's sake, and so 
will we praise thee with joyful lips. 

And we pray for thy blessing, O heavenly Father, 
upon the world of mankind. Let thy light and thy 
truth dispel the darkness of ignorance, error and 
superstition, from the minds of men, and lead them 
to the knowledge, experience and practice of virtue 
and true religion ; that thy v/ay may be known upon 
earth, thy saving health among all nations. And, in 
thy own good time, may all people, nations and kin- 
dreds of mankind be subjected to the government of 
thy Son, the Messiah ; enjoy the blessings of his 
peaceful reign, and be the willing subjects of his 
kingdom of righteousness and salvation, to the glory 
of thy holy name, world without end. Amen. 

Before Sermon 2n the Afternoon. 
A LMIGHTY God, our heavenly Fatlier, we would 
again enter into thy gates with thanksgiving, 
and into thy courts with praise ; we would be thank- 
ful unto thee and speak good of thy name, for 
thou art the Lord our God. It is thou who hast 
made us, and not we ourselves ; we are thy people 
and the sheep of thy pasture. May we worship the 
Lord in the beauty of holiness ; and may all the 
earth stand in awe of him. For he cometh : for he 
cometh to judge the earth : with righteousness shall 
he judge the world, and the people with his truth. 
Thou, O Lord, art our refuge and strength ; a very 
present help in time of trouble. Therefore will we 
not fear, though the earth be removed, and though 
the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea : 
though the waters thereof roar and be troubled. 
For there is a river, the streams whereof make glad 
the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of 
the Most High. God is in the midst of her, there- 
fore shall she not be moved : God shall help her, 

6 



62 



rXIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



and that right early. How excellent is thy loving-^ 
kindness, O God ! therefore the children of men put 
their trust under the shadow of thy wings : they 
shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy 
house ; and thou shalt make them drink of the river 
of thy pleasures. For with thee is the fountain of 
life ; and in thy light shall we see light. 

We adore thee, O Lord, because thou art good, 
and because thy mercy endureth for ever. May we 
be that happy people whose God is the Lord ; a pe- 
culiar people, showing forth the praises of him who 
hath called us out of darkness into marvellous light. 
We are taught, heavenly Father, as well by thy 
providential dealings, as in thy word and gospel, 
that thou art benevolent and kind, even to the un- 
thankful and the evil, and that thy compassions fail 
not : great is thy faithfulness. May vre learn to im- 
itate the examples of thy great and universal good- 
ness ; and study to be perfect, as our Father who is 
in heaven is perfect. 

We earnestly look to thee, O Lord, for thy bles- 
sing while we wait before thee, and humbly offer thee 
our public devotions this afternoon. May we here 
sit together as in a heavenly place ; and may thy 
banner over us be love, while we feast upon the un- 
searchable riches of Christ. May our prayers be 
accepted, and graciously answered in peace to our 
souls ; and may our praises rise up as holy incense, 
and be an offering and a sacrifice well pleasing in 
thy sight. May the doctrines of thy word, w^hich 
shall be published at this time, drop as the rain, and 
distil as the dew ; as the small rain upon the tender 
herb, and as showers upon the grass ; and may the 
fruits of righteousness be the salutary effects pro- 
duced. May thy good Spirit assist us in all the ser- 
vices of the Christian sanctuary. May great grace 
be upon us all, causing us to rejoice in the Lord, and 



PUBLIC WORSHIP. 



63 



to joy in the God of our salvation. Direct and gov- 
ern us in all our doings : further us with thy contin- 
ual help, and satisfy us early with thy mercy and fa- 
vour. 

Be graciously present, O God, with all worship- 
ping assemblies ; and may great good be done this 
day, in the name of thy holy child Jesus. Extend 
a knowledge of thy redeeming grace to all people, 
in all parts of the world, even in those dark places 
of the earth, which are full of the habitations of 
cruelty ; so that in due time, all may be brought to 
hear and know the joyful sound of salvation ; may 
walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance ; in 
thy name rejoice all the day, and in thy righteous- 
ness be exalted. 

O Lord our heavenly Father ; there is no God 
like unto thee, who pardoneth iniquity and trans- 
gression, because thou delightest in mercy. Forgive 
us, we pray thee, our trespasses, and turn us from 
every evil way. Accompany us by thy grace 
through all the changes of this transitory state of 
existence ; and when we fail on earth, receive us, 
with all the redeemed, to praise and glorify thee, in 
a world w^ithout end, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 



only is excellent, and who art the most high 
over all the earth — Thou hast created all things, and 
for thy pleasure they are and were created. We 
would adore thee as the wise and benevolent ruler 
and governor of all things, of all creatures and all 
events. We desire to acknowledge, with unfeigned 
gratitude, our entire dependance on thee for all our 
enjoyments, and all that we can hope for, in time 
and eternity. 



Amen. 




For Morning. 

everlasting God, whose name 



64. 



UNIVERSALIST BLOUAL. 



i 



We thank thee, heavenly Father, for the preser- 
vation of our lives from our earliest days to the 
present time, and for all the manifestations of thy 
goodness to us in the supply of our bodily wants : 
for food and raiment, for health, and for the exercise 
of our rational faculties ; for the blessing- of friends, 
and the comforts of society and social intercourse ; 
and for all the various enjoyments of the varied sea- 
sons, which are successively crowned with thy good- 
ness. 

Especially, we would devoutly bless and praise 
the name of the Lord for our religious privileges : 
for the establishm.ent of public worship among us 
upon gospel principles ; and for the repeated oppor- 
tunities we enjoy of uniting together in its sublime 
and sanctifying exercises. May we esteem this ser- 
vice of our God as the most perfect freedom ; so 
that like the devout David of old, we shall always 
be glad when it is said unto us, " Come, let us go up 
to the house of the Lord." We bless the Lord for 
the opportunity of meeting together this morning 
for religious devotion. May we worship the Lord 
in the beauty of holiness, and with elevated affec- 
tions, and may we find our spiritual strength renew- 
ed ; so that like the baptized eunuch of old, w^e may 
go on our way, and pursue our Christian course re- 
joicing. 

Continue, O heavenly Father, to manifest thy fa- 
vour and loving-kindness unto us ; and guide our 
feet in paths of righteousness and peace ; may we 
in all things obey thy blessed will ; do good in our 
day and generation, and set forth thy most worthy 
praise. 

And we would humbly offer unto thee, O Lord, 
our earnest intercessions for all mankind ; beseech- 
ing thee to grant that the pure light of the gospel 
may be made to shine upon all nations, that they 



PUBLIC WORSHIP. 



65 



may all be made acquainted with thy true charactei*, 
thy gracious disposition, and thy holy and benevo- 
lent purposes concerning them. Let thy truth, O 
merciful God, as it is in Jesus thy Son, illuminat 
their benighted minds ; dispel the deep darkness 
from their understandings ; turn them from dumb 
idols, and from their own vain imaginations, to know 
and serve thee, the one living and true God. That 
so thy way may be known upon earth : thy saving 
health among all nations ; that the people may praise 
thee, yea, that all the people may praise thee. 

Especially we pray that thy holy church, under 
the reign of thy Son, the Messiah, wherever it is, or 
shall be, established, may be defended by thy power, 
and sustained by thy most gracious and ready help. 
May the gospel prevail and prosper more and more, 
even to the pulling down of strongholds, casting 
down imaginations, and every high thing which ex- 
alteth itself against the knowledge of God ; and 
bringing into captivity every thought to the obe- 
dience of Christ. And we pray that all who profess 
and call themselves Christians, maybe brought to an 
agreement in the truth, and may hold the true gospel 
faith in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of 
life ; so that they may live in unity and godly love, 
to their mutual comfort and edification ; and to the 
glory of thine abundant grace, in Christ Jesus, our 
Lord. 

We beseech thee also, O heavenly Father, so to 
direct and dispose the hearts of all Christian rulers, 
that they may truly and impartially administer jus- 
tice, to the terror of evil doers, and to the praise 
and encouragement of those that do well ; so that 
under the protection of just and equal laws, and 
faithfully executed, our rights and privileges may be 
gecure, and that we may joyfully serve and worship 
6* 



66 



TJNn^ERSALIST MANUAL. 



thee in all godly quietness, to the glory of thy holy 
name. 

Finally, we commend to thy fatherly goodness, all 
those who in this transitory life, are in trouble, sor- 
row, want, sickness, or any other adversity ; be- 
seeching thee to give them patience and a joyful 
hope under all their sufferings, and in thy good time 
a happy deliverance out of all their afflictions ; and 
to thy name be all the glory, and all the praise, world 
without end. Amen. 

For Morning or Afternoon. 
A LMIGHTY Father, Lord of heaven and earth, 
the Creator and Governor of the universe ! By 
thy care and goodness we have been preserved to 
the present period, and are again permitted to meet 
together, and to unite in sacred devotion, in offer- 
ing our praises and thanksgivings unto thee, the God 
of our lives ; and in presenting renewed supplica- 
tions and prayers, in acknowledgment of our entire 
dependance on thee, and of our humble hope and 
confidence in thy mercy and loving-kindness. 

Thou, O Lord, hast been our guardian and guide 
from the earliest moment of our existence : yea, 
thou didst see our substance, being yet imperfect ; 
and in thy book were all our numbers written. We 
are fearfully and wonderfully made : marvellous are 
thy works, O God ; and that our soul knoweth right 
well. Thine eye hath watched over us with parent- 
al tenderness, and thine almighty arm hath been 
continually stretched out for our safety and support. 
Thou hast been our preserver amid temptations 
and dangers. Thou wilt be our guide till death, and 
our portion for ever. 

We would look unto thee, O our God, as children 
to a kind and merciful Father. Truly sensible of 
our ignorance and frailty, we implore thy wisdom to 



PUBLIC WORSHIP. 



67 



enlighten our minds, and the quickening influences 
of thy grace to deliver us from the delusions of 
error, and the dominion of sin. Preserve us merci- 
fully from the power of temptation : keep us from 
the snares of vice ; from walking in the counsel of 
the ungodly, or standing in the way of sinners ; but 
may our delight be in the law of the Lord, and in 
his law may we meditate day and night. May a 
deeper conviction of truth, and an increased hun- 
gering and thirsting after righteousness, cause us to 
abound in every good word and work. May the ex- 
cellent principles of that gospel, which speaks peace 
on earth, and good will to men, be exhibited, not in 
our profession only, but in our tempers, affections, 
and conduct ; so that our example may lead others 
to glorify our Father in heaven. 

We pray, holy Father, for thy gracious influences 
upon all the nations and families of the earth. That 
all people may be made acquainted with the excel- 
lence of thy character, and especially that they may 
comprehend, to their astonishment and joy, the glo- 
rious heights, and the unfathomable depths of that 
divine love, which sanctifies and saves our race. 
That all may abandon their idols and their errors, 
and worship Thee, as the universal extent of thy 
goodness requires. 

We pray for thy blessing, O Lord, upon the 
people in this part of thine earthly heritage. May 
they be so instructed in thy truth, and so obedient to 
its dictates, as to walk honestly and uprightly, as 
children of the light ; in the fulfilment of the duties 
of their respective stations. And may they exercise 
toward each other, that brotherly kindness and char- 
ity, and that peaceful temper and disposition, which 
is commended to them in the gospel of our salva- 
tion. 

Let thy blessing and favour, O heavenly Parent, 



68 



UNIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



be upon our country and nation. May rulers and 
magistrates, of every grade, be disposed and ena- 
bled, so to discharge the duties of their respective 
stations and offices, as shall most contribute to the 
suppression of immorality and vice, which are a 
reproach to any people ; and to the promotion of 
virtue and righteousness, which truly exalt a nation. 

Finally, we would offer unto thee, O our God, sup* 
plications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of 
thanks for all men, of all orders and conditions ; and 
in all circumstances earnestly desiring that we and 
all others may possess those true principles of piety 
and gospel obedience, which will effectually incline 
all to lead a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness 
and honesty. Assist us mercifully, O Lord, in the 
further duties which are now before us. May we 
praise thee with gladness of heart, and with sincere 
gratitude ; and may the instructions and counsels 
ivhich may be communicated unto us at this time, be 
in accordance with thy holy word and gospel ; even 
the word of our God, which liveth and abideth for 
ever. May this \YOvd of truth be mixed with faith 
in those who hear it, so that they may be edified and 
profited thereby ; and may bring forth the fruit of 
good living ; to the honour and glory of thy holy 
name, through Jesus Christ, our Mediator and Re- 
deemer « Amen. 



CONFERENCE AND SOCIAL MEETINGS. 

Remarks and Suggestions. 
Universalists are notin general favorably inclined 
to violent, or passionate religious excitements ; pro- 
duced, as they commonly are, by fearful representa- 
tions, and terrific descriptions in relation to God, and 



CONFERENCE AND SOCIAL MEETINGS. 



69 



the supposed condition of the souls of men, a nu- 
merous portion of them, at least, in a future state, or 
in the eternal world, as the common phrase is. 
Neither are they disposed to place much confidence 
in the public relation of individual experiences ; de- 
scriptions of particular feelings, and exercises of 
mind; gloomy and almost despairing apprehensions, 
succeeded suddenly by sensations the most exhilara- 
ting and joyful, producing ecstasies and raptures in- 
expressible ; a process which appears to be relied 
upon by some, as certain evidence of regeneration, 
a change of heart, getting religion, 6lc, 

Nor are Universalists in favour of keeping up and 
attending a constant succession of religious meet- 
ings, protracted for several weeks together, on 
which it is wished and expected the people should 
attend, day and night, to the neglect of their tempo- 
ral avocations, and even their domestic duties. 

Nevertheless, Universalists are strongly, and uni- 
tedly in favour of the regular and devout cekbration 
of public worship ; esteeming it not only a solemn 
duty, and strictly obligatory ; but also a most desi- 
rable privilege and happiness ; and which, we be- 
lieve, exerts a very beneficial influence upon the 
minds and morals of community. And beside the 
usual occasions of public worship, when a regular 
discourse or sermon is expected to comprise a part 
of the religious services, many are persuaded of the 
utility, at convenient times, of what are termed con- 
ferences, or social meetings for praise, prayer, ex- 
hortation, &c. Such meetings, when judiciously 
conducted, cannot be justly objectionable, and may, 
it is believed, be very interesting and salutary ; tend- 
ing to increase devout and pious affections, and to 
strengthen the bonds of Christian union and fellow- 
ship. They can only be injurious when imagination, 
fancy, unchastened zeal, or ungoverned feelings and 



70 



UXTYEIISALIST MANUAL. 



emotions, overpower and control the understanding 
and judgment, and destroy, or abate, the solemnity, 
and the holy awe which should always accompany 
divine worship ; and the humility and reverence 
which should characterize the Christian worshipper. 

At these social meetings it is expected that some 
ministering brother or brethren, or some judicious 
lay brother, when no minister is present, will super- 
intend and direct the religious exercises ; so that 
nothing like confusion or irregularity may occur, but 
that, as the apostle directs, all things may be done 
decently, and in order. 

The devotions at these meetings, may properly be 
commenced by singing a suitable hymn of praise, in 
which all present, who are able, should be invited to 
unite. Then may follow a prayer, to close (if 
thought expedient) with the Lord's prayer, which all 
present may be requested to pronounce distinctly 
and audibly with the minister, or leader. After this, 
brief addresses, exhortations, statements and re- 
marks, may be offered, by such as may be so dis- ^ 
posed, whether ministering brethren or others : at ! 
intervals between which, other hymns, or parts 
thereof, or set pieces, may be sung, as may be de- 
sired, or thought expedient. The services may be 
closed with a short prayer, and benediction, or with 
the latter only. 

It is expected that the prayer, or prayers on these 
occasions, will usually be extempore. A form, how- 
ever, is here subjoined 

A Form of devout Adoratmi, Prawe aiid Prayer, for a religious 
Conference, or Meeting for social Devotion. 

r\ LORD our God, we would rejoice in thee, and 
magnify thy name ; for thou hast done wonder- 
ful things : thy counsels of old are faithfulness and 
truth. Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the 



CONFERENCE AND SOCIAL BIEETINGS. 



71 



gods ? who is like unto thee, glorious in holiness, 
fearful in praises, doing wonders? The Lord shall 
reign for ever and ever. Thy mercy^ O Lord, 
reacheth unto the heavens, and to the uttermost 
bounds of the earth : thy righteousness is like the 
strong mountains : thy judgments are a great deep. 
How excellent is thy loving-'kindness, O God ! there- 
fore the children of men put their trust under the 
shadow of thy wings : they shall be abundantly sat- 
isfied with the plenteousness of thy house, and thou 
shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasure. 
For with thee is the fountain of life, and in thy light 
shall we see light. Thou art our God, and we will 
praise thee ; our father's God, and w^e will exalt 
thee. 

We rejoice, and we fervently bless and praise thy 
name, O Lord our God, that thou hast made it both 
our duty and happiness to adore and worship thee, 
the Father of our spirits, and the God of love. And 
we bless thee that through thy good providence, we 
are assembled together at this time^ for the holy ex- 
ercises of Christian devotion, and for mutual edifi- 
cation. May thy gracious influences be upon us ; 
and may the words of our mouth, and the medita- 
tion of our heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord 
our strength, and our Redeemer. 

We confess before thee, O Lord, our manifold 
sins, and our unworthiness of the least of all thy 
mercies ; for we have done wickedly, and rebelled, 
even by departing from thy precepts. O Lord, 
righteousness belongeth unto thee, but unto us con- 
fusion of face* To the Lord our God belong mer- 
cies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled 
against him ; neither have we obeyed the voice of 
the Lord our God, to walk in his laws which he set 
before us. Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mer^ 
cy upon us, miserable offenders. Deliver us fvom 



72 



rNIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



all our iniquities, and cause thy face to shine upon 
lis, and we shall be whole. 

Grant us, O heavenly Father, renewed tokens of 
thy favour and loving-kindness, and the constant in- 
fluences of thy holy Spirit, to preserve us from the 
power of temptation : to strengthen us in the per- 
formance of our various duties, and to lead us into 
all truth ; that we may adorn the doctrine of God 
our Saviour in all things. 

And we earnestly pray, O Lord, that the truth and 
the light of thy holy word, and especially of the 
glorious gospel of peace and salvation, may prevail, 
and be extended more and more. May its doctrines 
and counsels, its precepts and its precious promises, 
be faithfully inculcated, and cordially embraced ; and 
may there be a great and joyful ingathering of the 
lost sheep, both of Gentiles and Jews, into the fold 
of Christ ; until, in the fulness of times, there shall 
be one fold and one Shepherd ; and one great salva- 
tion experienced by all. 

To this end, we beseech thee, O God, to bless thy 
ministering servants, and to send forth many m.ore 
of them into the harvest, which indeed is plenteous, 
that they may declare the counsels of thy boundless 
love, the unsearchable riches of Christ, and proclaim 
salvation to the ends of the earth : saying unto 
Zion, Thy God reigneth. Yea, for the sake of the 
Zion of the Redeemer, may they not hold their 
peace, and for the sake of the new gospel Jerusa- 
lem, may they not rest, until the righteousness there- 
of go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof 
as a lamp that burneth. That God who commanded 
the light to shine out of darkness, may shine upon 
all people, to give them the light of the knowledge 
of the glory of God, in the face of Jesus Christ. 

Father of mercies, and God of all grace, we humbly 
offer these our supplications, prayers, intercessions, 



CONFERENCE AND SOCIAL MEETINGS. 



73 



and giving of thanks, both for ourselves and for all 
men, in the worthy name of thy Son, our Saviour 
Jesus Christ ; and we would now close our addres- 
ses to thee at this time, in the language of that most 
comprehensive, and most excellent form of suppli- 
cation which he gave to his early disciples, saying as 
thus instructed, "Our Father who art in heaven, &c. 

[Repeat the Lord's Prayer entire]. 

Another short Form of Devotion for like Occasions. 

LORD our God, we would come into thy pres- 
ence with thanksgiving, and show ourselves glad 
in thee with psalms : we would be thankful to thee, 
and bless thy name, for thou. Lord, art good ; thy 
mercy is everlasting, and thy truth endureth to all 
generations. 

We rejoice, O heavenly Father, in being the chil- 
dren of thy love and tender' compassion, and the 
subjects of thy wise and gracious government ; and 
we pray that we may sensibly experience the con- 
tinued, and renewed tokens of thy care and good- 
ness. 

We bless thy name, O Lord, that we are favoured 
with the privilege of meeting together at this time ; 
to offer our devotions to thee the God of our lives, 
and the Father of mercies, and to speak to ourselves 
in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs ; singing, 
and making melody in our hearts unto the Lord. 

Let thy blessings, we pray thee, be showered 
graciously upon us, and sanctify these our services. 
May we delightfully realize, like thy ancient people 
Israel, how good, and how pleasant it is for breth- 
ren to dwell together, and to worship together in 
unity. Let the bright cloud of thy love, O Lord, 
overshadow us ; so that we may be constrained, in 
the fulness of holy joy, to say, with the disciple 
Peter of old, Lord, it is good for us to be here. 

7 



74. 



TT^^IYEESALIST MANUAL. 



And we most earnestly pray, O heavenly Father, 
that no circumstances or events may cause us to be 
weary in well-doing, nor to forsake the assembling 
of ourselves together, as the manner of some is, but 
may we exhort and encourage one another to the 
practice of all Christian duties and virtues, and to 
the building up of the Redeemer's cause and king- 
dom ; and so much the more as we see the day ap- 
proaching, even the glorious period of the restitu- 
tion of all things which God hath spoken by the 
mouth of all his holy prophets, since the world be- 
gan. 

O Lord, revive thy work in the midst of the years; 
in the midst of the years make known thy truth, thy 
boundless love, and thy saving health unto all peo- 
ple : that all the families and kindreds of the earth 
may be blessed in thy Son, the Messiah, and all flesh 
see the salvation of our God. To whom be ascribed 
honour and glory everlasting, through Jesus Christ 
our Lord. Amen. 

A Prayer for social Worship — after the Manner of the Lord's 
Prayer. 

A LMIGHTY Creator and Governor of all things, 
whose presence fills the immensity of space, to 
whom all beings owe their existence, their preserva- 
tion, and the supply of their wants — We, thy de- 
pendant offspring, would rejoice with thanksgiving, 
in the assurance given us that we are the constant 
subjects of thy care and bounty. 

Especially we rejoice in that thou hast made it 
our duty, and our inestimable privilege, to address 
ourselves unto thee as to a Father ; full of compas- 
sion and the tenderest affection. 

In this character, and as sustaining this endearing 
relation to us, we would call upon thee at this time, 



CONFERENCE AND SOCIAL MEETINGS. 75 



and according to the direction of thy beloved Son 
our Saviour, we would say — 

" Our Father^ who art in heaven who dwellest 
in light and glory incomprehensible, whom no man 
hath seen, nor can see, although thou art always 
present in all places — 

'^Hallowed he thy namey May thy divine char- 
acter, and thy holy and perfect attributes, be rev- 
erenced and adored by all intelligent beings, whom 
thou hast made for thy glory ; and that thou might- 
est communicate to them a portion of thine own ex- 
cellence and blessing. 

Thy kingdom come.^^ May thy reign be uni- 
versal ; as well in the hearts of men, as over all the 
other parts of thy creation. Especially we pray 
that thy reign and government in the kingdom of 
thy Son the Messiah, and in the gospel of thy grace 
which thou didst send him to establish among men, 
may increase and prevail more and more, until the 
kingdoms of this world shall become the one united 
kingdom of our Lord and Redeemer, to the glory of 
God the Father. 

" Thy will he done on earth, as it is in heaven.^^ 
Thy will, O God, is the source and the pledge of all 
possible good. To know thy will is true wisdom : 
to be obedient and resigned unto it, is both our 
duty and our highest happiness. We rejoice that 
thy will cannot be controlled, or altered ; and that 
therefore it shall be fully accomplished, according to 
the good pleasure thereof. Thou hast created all 
things, and for thy pleasure they are and were crea- 
ted. Thou upholdest all things by the word of thy 
power : Thou doest according to thy will in the 
army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the 
earth, and none can stay thine hand, or ^ say unto 
thee, What doest thou ? We therefore pray with 
humble confidence, and in full assurance of faith. 



76 



UNIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



that thy will may he done on earth, as it is in heav- 
en. In like confidence we pray for the supply of 
our daily wants : 

" Give us this day, our daily hread.''^ Give us all 
things needful for our bodily sustenance and com- 
fort; and evermore give us that bread which cometh 
down from heaven, and nourishelh unto everlasting 
life. 

Deeply sensible, O Lord, of our sins, and our 
manifold transgressions of thy holy laws, we earnest- 
ly pray thee to 

" Forgive us our trespasses ;" and grant us grace, 
that under the influence of the same heavenly prin- 
ciple, and in imitation of the example of thy Son, 
we also may love and pity our enemies, and " For- 
give those who trespass against 

And since, O Lord, we are surrounded w^ith dan- 
gers, and with many beguiling allurements, by which 
we are so prone to be led astray from the paths of 
uprightness and of peace, we beseech thee 

Lead us not into tempt ationJ'^ Suffer no trials 
to come upon us but such as we shall be enabled to 
endure ^^ath fortitude ; and to carry us safely through 
them, may thy grace be mighty in us, and sufficient 
for us : so that each of us, in all circumstances, may 
assuredly say. In the Lord have I righteousness 
and strength. 

And since, O our Father, in this frail state, we are 
made subject to vanity, and are compassed about 
with infirmity, and with many afflictions and trou- 
bles ; we entreat thee to 

'^Deliver us from evil from the great evil of 
sin. Redeem and deliver us from all iniquity ; 
cleanse us from all impurities of the flesh and spirit, 
that we may be as a vessel unto honour, sanctified 
and meet for the Master's use, and prepared unto 
every good work. And in due time, O Lord our 



OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 



7t 



God, according to thy revealed purpose, and the 
good pleasure of thy will, deliver us from the evil 
of suffering : from all pain, affliction, and sorrow : 
from all the evils, adversities, and inquietudes, of 
this mortal and changeful state ; and receive us to 
the joys, and the everlasting pleasures of thy right 
hand in the heavenly mansions. 

" For thine is the kingdom thine, O Lord, are 
all things. Thou possessest empire without bounds, 
and thy government is universal and uncontrolled. 
Thine also is the power,^^ unlimited and irresisti- 
ble, to accomplish all thy pleasure ; and the glory of 
thy character, and of thine adorable perfections is 
displayed in all thy wondrous works : 

Thine is the kingdom, and the poxoer, and the 
glory, for ever and everJ*^ Amen. 



OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 

Prayer for Christmas day, or Eve — hefore Sermon. 

gUPREMELY glorious and ever-blessed God— We 
would come before thee this day [or this evening] 
with hearts of gratitude, and with songs of praise ; 
because thou hast done great things for us, where- 
of we are glad, and for which we would offer thee 
the sacrifice of thanksgiving and of devout adora- 
tion. Thy mercies, and the tokens of thy favour 
and goodness are manifold, and innumerable. Bless 
the Lord, O our souls, and all that is within us bless 
his holy name. Especially we would call to mind, 
on this occasion, the exceeding riches of thy grace, 
O Lord our God, in the unspeakable gift of thy Son, 
for our redemption and salvation, and for the salva- 
tion of the world of mankind from sin and death, 

7* 



78 



TTNIVERSALTST MATsTJAL. 



that thou mightest exalt them to holiness and life 
eternal. 

We bless ihee, O Lord God of Israel, for sending, 
in the fulness of time, the messenger of the new and 
everlasting covenant : for raising up a horn of sal- 
vation for us, in the house of thy servant David ; as 
thou hast spoken by the mouth of thy holy proph- 
ets, which have been since the world began. We 
would rejoice in the tender maercy of our God, 
w^hereby the day-spring from on high hath visited 
us, to give light to them that sit in darkness, and in 
the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the 
way of peace. 

We would fervently praise thy name, O heavenly 
Father, that thou hast made it our unspeakable priv- 
ilege and happiness to hear the glad tidings of the 
gospel revelation, in which w^e are instructed by the 
Son, what is the Father's good pleasure concerning 
us ; even to give us the kingdom of grace, and of 
glory. May we duly prize, cordially embrace, and 
religiously and faithfully improve these transcend- 
ant advantages. Inspire us, we pray thee, with a 
holy and unshaken confidence in thy paternal love, 
and the riches of thy grace in Christ Jesus ; who of 
God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, 
sanctification and redemption. 

And, O AhPiighty, and ever-merciful God, we pray 
that the pure, the peace-giving, and heavenly reli- 
gion of Jesus, may prosper and prevail yet more 
abundantly, among all people, in all parts of the 
world. May his kingdom be extended, and estab- 
lished, and rule over all, to the glory and praise of 
God, and to the peace, joy, and eternal salvation of 
entire mankind. 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, who hath blessed us in him with all spiritual 
blessings in heavenly places ; having made known 



OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 



79 



unto us the mystery of his will, which was his from 
ages and generations, but is now revealed in the gos- 
pel ; by which most gracious dispensation, we have 
been delivered from the power of darkness, and 
translated into the kingdom of God's dear Son. In 
which kingdom and reign of the Messiah we enjoy 
the reality, and the blessedness of that period which 
the patriarchs foresaw ; which the prophets foretold ; 
and which many righteous men greatly desired to 
behold, but who died without the sight : who having 
obtained a good report through faith, received not 
the promise : God having provided some better 
thing for us, that they without us should not be made 
perfect. 

With ardent gratitude, therefore, and unspeakable 
joy, we would sing — Hosanna to the Son of David, 
who Cometh in the name of the highest to save us ! 
Glory be to God, that there is peace on earth, and 
goodwill from heaven to men. Salvation, and glory, 
and honour, and power, be ascribed unto our God, for 
ever and ever. Amen. 

Direct and govern us, O Lord, in all our doings, 
and especially in our religious devotions at this time, 
with thy most gracious favour ; and farther us with 
thy continual aid and influence, that in all our ser- 
vices, begun, continued, and ended in thee, we may 
glorify thy holy name, and finally, by thy mercy, ob- 
tain everlasting felicity, through Jesus Christ our 
Lord. Amen. 

And now, O God, our Father, with an humble 
and steadfast confidence in thine infinite and un- 
changing goodness, we close our supplications to 
thee at this time in the language of that most per- 
fect form, prescribed by Jesus thy Son to his dis- 
ciples — saying. Our Father, [Repeat the Lord's Prayer.J 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love 
of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be 
with us all, evermore. Amen. 



80 



UXIYERSALIST MArOJAL. 



Prayer Before Sermon, for the CorameTicernent of a New Year. 
A LMIGHTY and eternal God— Thou in the begin- 
ning hast laid the foundation of the earth, and 
the heavens are the work of thine hands : they shall 
perish, but thou remainest : and they all shall wax old 
as doth a garment ; and as a vesture shalt thou fold 
them up, and they shall be changed : but thou art 
the same, and thy years shall not fail. From ever- 
lastiufT to everlastinof, thou art God. 

We would adore thy greatness and thine excel- 
lency ; and we rejoice in thy counsels and purposes, 
which like thy nature and attributes, are invariable, 
and infinitely benevolent and glorious. We thank 
thee, O Lord, for our preservation through the 
varied seasons of another year ; and in view of the 
constant supplies of thy bounty, well may we ex- 
claim in grateful adoration, with thy servant of old, 
Thou crownest the year with thy goodness, and thy 
paths drop fatness. Thou hast even prevented us 
with the blessings of goodness. W^hat shall we 
render unto the Lord for all his benefits ? We will 
take the cup of salvation, and will call upon the 
name of the Lord. We bless thy name, for that 
measure of health and temporal prosperity with 
which we have been favoured ; for all the enjoy- 
ments of domestic and social life, and especially for 
the continuance of our Christian privileges, and the 
inestimable hopes of the gospel ; which is all our 
salvation and all our desire. 

And, O merciful God, whilst we render thee our 
humble thank-ofi^erings for the goodness and mercy 
with which our lives have been crowned during the 
past year, we would penitently acknowledge our 
great unworthiness, our neglect of duty, and our 
multiplied transgressions of thy righteous laws. 
We have erred and strayed from thy ways like lost 
sheep, and have followed, too much, the devices and 



OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 



81 



desires of our own hearts. Have mercy upon us, 
O Lord, have mercy upon us, miserable offenders. 
Spare us, good Lord, spare thy people whom thou 
hast redeemed; and enter not into judgment with 
thy servants, for in thy sight shall no man living be 
justified. O cast us not away from thy presence, 
and take not thy holy Spirit from us ; for thou art 
the health of our countenance, and our God. May 
we henceforth be more obedient to thy counsels and 
thy precepts, and more devoted to thy service. 

And we pray that the year upon which we have 
now entered may be an abundantly fruitful one in 
all temporal and spiritual blessings, and especially 
for the cause of the Redeemer. May the labourers 
in the gospel vineyard, be many and faithful, and 
the harvest plenteous ; and may peace on earth and 
good-will among men everywhere prevail, and be 
more and more promoted ; till the earth shall be full 
of the knowledge of the Lord, and even the wilder- 
ness, and the solitary places be glad and rejoice. 
When all people shall flow together to the goodness 
of the Lord, and be constrained to say. How great 
is his goodness : how great is his beauty. May 
this be truly a year of merciful and gracious visita- 
tion to thy church — the church of the first-born, 
which are written in heaven : may it be emphatical- 
ly, the acceptable year of the Lord, for the preach- 
ing of good tidings to the meek; for the binding up 
the broken-hearted ; for proclaiming deliverance to 
the captives, and the opening of the prison-doors to 
them that are bound. 

Hear our prayers, O Lord, according to thy tender 
mercies, and thy loving-kindnesses, which have been 
ever of old. For doubtless thou art our Father, 
though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel ac- 
knowledge us not. Thou, O Lord, art our Father; 
our Redeemer : thy name is from everlasting. 



82 



rXIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



And when we shall have passed the few years of 
our pilgrimage upon earth, which we spend as a 
tale that is told ; receive us w^e beseech thee to thy- 
self, to enjoy an eternal year of jubilee in thy heav- 
enly kingdom. And to thy name be ascribed all 
honour, praise and glory, as it was in the beginning, 
is now, and ever shall be, world without end. 

Amen. 

For a Day of Fasting and. Prayer. 

A LMIGHTY and incomprehensible Jehovah ; the 
high and mighty King of kings, and Lord of 
lords ; who only hath immortality, dwelling in the 
light which no man can approach unto ; whom no 
man hath seen nor can see : to whom be honour and 
power everlasting. Amex. 

With all humility and reverence, we would adore 
thee as the author of our being: our Father and 
our God : the fountain of life, and the centre of all 
perfection and blessedness. From thy bountiful 
hand we derive all our capacities and all our enjoy- 
ments. Thou hast wonderfully preserved and sus- 
tained us, from feeble infancy to our present state ; 
and Ave acknowledge our equal dependance on thy 
care and bounty for the time to come. May we 
be deeply impressed with a sense of that depend- 
ance, and of the obligation to gratitude, obedience 
and submission, which it confers upon us. 

On this day, appointed by the civil authority, for 
a public annual fast, and prayer, we have assembled 
to offer our religious devotions to the God of our 
lives, and the gi^er of all our mercies. It is meet 
and right, and our bounden duty to confess before 
thee our numerous transgressions of thy righteous 
law, and our wide departure from its precepts ; 
which are holy, just and good. We have left the 
fountain of living waters, and have hewed out to 



OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 



83 



ourselves cisterns, broken cisterns which can hold 
no water. In the variety of our earthly pursuits, 
we have forgotten God our Maker, who giveth songs 
in the night, who teacheth us more than the beasts 
of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of 
heaven. Blessed be the name of the Lord who hath 
not forgotten us, nor turned away his mercy from 
us ; but who hath graciously met our various neces- 
sities, and relieved our ever-returning wants. O 
Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee ; but unto 
us confusion of faces, as at this day ; because we 
have sinned against thee. To the Lord our God be- 
long mercies and forgivenesses, though we have re- 
belled against him, neither have we obeyed the voice 
of the Lord our God, to walk in his laws which he 
set before us. Yet although thou hast often visited 
our transgressions with a rod, and our iniquities with 
stripes ; nevertheless thy loving-kindness thou hast 
not utterly taken from us, nor suffered thy faithful- 
ness to fail. Thy covenant thou wilt not break, nor 
alter the thing that is gone out of thy lips. 

And now, O Lord our God, hear the prayers of 
thy servants, and their supplications, and cause thy 
face to shine upon us ; for we do not present our 
supplications before thee for our righteousness, but 
for thy great mercies. O Lord, hear ; O Lord, for- 
give : O Lord, hearken and do : defer not, for thine 
own sake, O our God ; for thy church and thy peo- 
ple are called by thy name. 

O Lord our heavenly Father, we do not expect or 
desire that our supplications and prayers shall in 
any degree alter thy character, or change thy coun- 
sels ; which have been ever of old. Rather, we 
would rest satisfied, and rejoice that thou remainest 
always the same, and that thy counsels and pur- 
poses, formed in infinite wisdom and goodness, will 
advance, and secure the best interests of thy whole 



8if UIS^IVERSALIST MANUAL. 

creation. May we learn to imitate thy great benev- 
olence, by doing good in our day and generation, 
and thus setting forth thy most worthy praise. 

We pray for ihy blessing upon our rulers, and all 
who are in authority. May they be guided by the 
wisdom which is from above, which is first pure, 
then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full 
of mercy and good fruits, v/ithout partiality, and 
without hypocrisy. May they remember that they 
that rule ov^er men must be just, ruling in the fear of 
God. And may we the people be subject to the 
powers that be, knowing that there is no power but 
of God ; and that the powers that be are ordained 
of God. May we therefore be subject, not only for 
fear of wrath, but also for conscience' sake ; and may 
we render to all their dues ; tribute to whom tribute 
is due ; custom to whom custom ; fear to whom 
fear ; honour to whom honour. May we owe no 
man any thing, but to love one another : for love is 
the fulfilling of the law. Preserve us, O Lord, we 
beseech thee, as thou mayest see it best, from wast- 
ing sicknesses, and from evils and disorders of every 
kind : from foreign aggression and invasion, and 
from violent internal commotions. Grant us peace 
in our borders, plenty in our garners, and health in 
our habitations. May the miCrcies we enjoy be con- 
tinued, and those we need be bestowed. And while 
we live in the enjoyment of thy favours, and under 
the smiles of thy bounty, may we remember in ef- 
fective charity, the poor, the afflicted, and the sor- 
rov/ing ; because these constitute, in reality, the fast 
which thou hast chosen. 

And unto thee, O Lord, will we look, in all coming 
time, for fruitful seasons, crowned with thy good- 
ness. Favour us with refreshing dews and rain from 
heaven, that the earth may bring forth her increase 
according to thy ancient promise, that while the 



OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 



S5 



world standeth, seedtime and harvest should not 
fail. In thee, O God, do we put our trust, assured 
that thy word and thy promises are true and faithful. 

And unto thee, O thou that hearest prayer, and to 
whom praise belongeth, would we offer, in the name 
of thy beloved Son, all our petitions, and all our 
praises and thanksgivings ; beseeching thee gracious- 
ly to hear and accept them, and to send down an 
answer of peace. And to thy ever-adored name 
shall be ascribed all honour, power and glory, world 
without end. Amen. 



THOU ever-living, ever-blessed, and ever-bles- 



sing God! the fountain of all life and being; 
the Creator and Governor of all worlds, and of all 
which they contain ! All things are sustained by 
thy providence, and all creatures are dependant on 
thy bounty. O Lord, how manifold are thy works, 
in wisdom hast thou made them all. May we be 
still, and know that thou art God, and that thou wilt 
<io all thy pleasure. The glory of the Lord shall 
endure for ever : the Lord shall rejoice in his works: 
we will therefore sing unto the Lord as long as we 
live : we will sing praise to our God while we have 
our being. 

We thank thee, heavenly Father, for the existence 
thou hast given us ; for its preservation in this frail 
state ; from its commencement to the present time ; 
and for the many blessings, and tokens of thy favour 
with which it has been crowned. We rejoice in 
contemplating the revealed excellence of thy char- 
acter, thy parental relation to us, thy needy and de- 
pendant children, and the blessed and glorious des- 
tiny for which thou hast designed us. Thou wilt 
guide us with thy counsel, and afterward receive us 
to glory. 



For an Annual Thanksgiving. 




8 



86 



UNIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



AVe would render our unfeigned thanksgiving to 
thee, O our God, as for all thy mercies and favours 
in general, so especially for the blessings vouch- 
safed us in the varied seasons of another annual 
period. Through its vicissitudes and numerous 
dangers thou hast safely conducted us. Seed-time 
and harvest, summer and winter, day and night have 
not failed, but have succeeded each other according 
to thine ordinance ; for all things serve thee, and 
obey thy wise decree, thy most benevolent appoint- 
ment. Bless the Lord, O our souls, and all that is 
within us bless his holy name ; who redeemest our 
lives from destruction, and crownest us with loving- 
kindness and tender mercies. Bless the Lord, O 
our souls, and forget not all his benefits. 

We earnestly pray, O heavenly Father, that this 
joyful season of ingathering of the fruits of the 
earth for the supply of our bodily wants, may cause 
our hearts to be filled with gladness and gratitude, 
and which shall be manifested by a cheerful and un- 
reserved obedience to the Divine will. Accept, O 
Lord, the thank-offering which we here publicly and 
devoutly offer and present unto thee ; and may the 
religious services of this festival occasion be sanc- 
tified to our spiritual improvement. May our hearts 
be filled with ardent gratitude, and supreme love to 
thee, the author and source of all our present enjoy- 
ments, and all our hopes and prospects of future 
good. May we worship the Lord in the beauty of 
holiness : come into his presence with thanksgiving, 
and show ourselves glad in him with psalms. May 
our supplications, prayers and intercessions, find 
access at thy gracious throne, and the lifting up of 
our hands be as the morning or evening sacrifice ; 
an ofiering of a sweet-smelling savour. May the 
instructions which may be communicated from thy 
word and gospel, be as seed sown in good ground, 



OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 



87 



and bring forth in us much fruit, that thereby our 
Father in heaven may be glorified. Build us all up, 
we beseech thee, in the most holy faith ; and may 
all our tempers and affections, and our whole lives 
bear ample testimony to the salutary nature, and the 
purifying influence of our Christian principles, and 
commend and adorn our holy profession. May the 
blessed effects and fruits of the gospel be diffused 
and multiplied more and more in the Christian com- 
munity, and among all who name the name of Christ. 
Clothe the Christian ministry with salvation, that 
thy people may shout for joy. Roll on, we pray 
thee, most mighty God, in thine own time, the glo- 
rious era, when thy knowledge, the knowledge of 
the truth, as it is in Jesus, shall cover the earth : 
when all nations whom thou hast made shall come 
and worship before thee, and shall glorify thy name : 
when sin shall be finished, transgression be ended, 
and everlasting righteousness be brought in. 

And now, O Lord, we would humbly and confi- 
dently resign ourselves, and all we have and are, to 
thy holy care and keeping; praying for an entire 
reconciliation to thy will in all the dispensations of 
thy providence : for grace to help in every time of 
need ; for wisdom to guide us in all the duties, and 
strength to support us in all the trials of life ; and 
that thou wouldst finally bring us, with a ransomed 
world, to the full enjoyment of thyself in glory 
everlasting; when every creature in heaven and 
earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the 
sea, and ail that are in them, shall unite in the long 
and loud thanksgiving anthem, saying, " Blessing 
and honour, and glory and power, be unto Him that 
sitteth on the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever 
and ever." Amen. 



88 



XTNIYERSALIST 3IAXUAL. 



DEDICATION OF CHURCHES. 

A proposed Form of Service for the Dedication of a House of 
Public Worship. 

On the day appointed for the dedication, when the congregation 
have assembled, let the ministers present walk up the broad 
aisle, and standmg round the altar facing the congregation, let 
the religious services be commenced by the reading of the 24th 
Psalm ; the otiiciaring minister, or one that may be appointed, 
reading the nrii verse, and ::.e o:her ministers present, and as 
many of the congregation as may choose, reading the second 
verse by way of response, proceeding m this manner, verse by 
verse alternately, to the close of the portion, as follows : — 

Minister, The earth is the Lord's and the ful- 
ness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. 

Response. For he hath founded it upon the seas, 
and established it upon the floods. 

3/. Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? 
and who shall stand in his holy place? 

R, He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; 
who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor 
sworn deceitfully. 

j[. He shall receive the blessinof from the Lord, 
and righteousness from the God of his salvation. 

R. This is the generation of them that seek him: 
that seek thy face, O Jacob. 

3/. Lift up your heads, O ye gates r and be ye 
lift up, ye everlasting doors ; and the King of glory 
shall come in. 

R. Who is this King of glory ? The Lord 
strong and mighty ; the Lord mio;hty in battle. 

3/. Lift up your heads, O ye gates ; even lift 
them up, ye everlasting doors ; and the King of 
glory shall come in. 

R. Who is this King of glory ? The Lord of 
hosts, he is the King of glory. 



DEDICATION OF CHTJECHES. 



89 



[In like manner the following ; selected from several psalms.] 
M, How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of 
hosts. 

R. My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the 
courts of the Lord, my heart and my flesh crieth out 
for the living God. 

M. I was glad when they said unto me, Let us 
go into the house of the Lord. 

R. Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Je- 
rusalem. 

M, For a day in thy courts is better than a thou- 
sand : I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of 
my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. 

R, For the Lord God is a sun and shield ; the 
Lord will give grace and glory ; and no good thing 
will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. 

M, Pray for the peace of Jerusalem : they shall 
prosper that love thee. 

R, Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity 
within thy palaces. 

M. For my brethren and companions' sake, I 
will now say. Peace be within thee. 

R. Because of the house of the Lord our God, 
I will seek thy good. 

M. Our help is in the name of the Lord, who 
made heaven and earth. 

R. The Lord hath done great things for us, 
whereof we are glad. 

M. They that sow in tears, shall reap in joy. 

R, He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing 
precious seed, shall doubtless come again with re- 
joicing, bringing his sheaves with him. 

M, Mercy and truth are met together ; righteous- 
ness and peace have kissed each other. 

R. Truth shall spring out of the earth; and 
righteousness shall look down from heaven. 
8* 



90 



r^'IVERSALIST MANUAL. 



3/. Arise, God, judge the earth : for thou shalt 
inherit all nations. 

R. All nations whom thou hast made shall come 
and worship before thee, Lord ; and shall glorify 
thy name. 

31. Enter into his gates with thanksglTing, and 
into his courts Avith praise : be thankful unto him, 
and bless his name. 

R. For the Lord is o-ood : his mercy is everlast- 
ing: and his truth endureth to all generations. 

3J. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from ever- 
lasrino; to everlasting : and let all the people sa}% 
An en"; 

R. AxEN : and A:ien. 

Then a suitable hynm or anthem may be sung by the choir ; du- 
ring which the minister who is to perform the other parts of 
the devotional seiTices. tore:her with the one appointed lo 
preach the sermon, ar.d as many others as it may be thonaht 

f I: : : v c =: e:_: :/.e pulpit ; and, the singing being end- 
e^. .^.e ci^oii.::::^ n-.i:;:s:er may read a suitable portion of the 
Ho-v Scr:::-::e5; scythe 10:h chapter of Hebrews, fi-om the 
:-^:r::::::i ::.e ^6:!: verse, followed by the 2d chapter of St, 
^j':::.'^ G:^:fl. f.::,: :l:e lo:h to the lS:h verse, or any other 
portior: tltat may be cl:osen. 
Tne dedlcatorA' praver mav then be oS"ered, preceded by some 
appropriate remarks, which may m substance be liiie the fol- 
io wir. 2: : — 

Christian Brethren : "We have assembled at 
this time and place for the purpose of publicly set- 
tincf apart and devoting this house to the worship 
and service of the one living and tree God ; 
whom we are taught to reverence and adore as the 
common Father, Benefactor and Saviour of all men. 
IS'ot doubtins" therefore, that this rehgious and godly 
purpose is divinely approved ; and earnestly desi- 



DEDICATION OF CHURCHES. 



91 



ring that this house may long be a place of holy and 
grateful dev^otion to Almighty God, who is the God 
of all grace, let us humbly and faithfully implore his 
blessing on this our solemn service. 

Pro-posed Form of Prayer. 
Q ETERNAL, Almighty, and incomprehensible 
Jehovah ; whose being nlleth the immensity of 
space ; whom heaven, and the heaven of heavens 
cannot contain ; much less the walls of temples 
made with hands. What house can we build unto 
thee, O Lord, and where is the place of thy rest ! 
Yet didst thou graciously promise thy people of old 
time, that in all places where thou recordedst thy 
name, thou wouldst come unto them, and wouldst 
bless them. And since thy son Jesus Christ has 
taught us, that in the Christian church the true wor- 
shippers should worship the Father in spirit and in 
truth ; vouchsafe, O Lord, we beseech thee, to be 
graciously present with us, who are here gathered 
together, with all humility and readiness of heart, to 
dedicate this house to the honour of thy holy name, 
and to the setting forth of thy most worthy praise : 
thus setting this building apart from ordinary and 
common uses, to be an house of holy worship, in 
which thy people may offer unto thee their fervent 
prayers and supplications, and their devout thanks- 
givings and praises ; and in which thy holy word 
and gospel may be read and published, to their edi- 
fication, and their unspeakable joy ; through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Blessed be thy name, O Lord, that it hath pleased 
thee to put it into the hearts of thy servants, our 
brethren in this place, to build this comely and con- 
venient house ; and to devote the same to thy hon- 
our and worship. Accept, we pray thee, this our 
free-will offering ; and grant that all who shall enjoy 



92 



UNIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



the benefit of this pious work, may show forth their 
gratitude, by making a right use and improvement of 
their Christian privileges, to the glory of thy holy 
and blessed name ; through Jesus Christ, our Re- 
deemer and Saviour. Amen. 

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, we devoutly 
rejoice that it hath pleased thee to have thy habita- 
tion among the sons of men ; and to dwell, by thy 
holy influences, in the midst of the assemblies of 
thy people. Bless, we beseech thee, the religious 
services of this occasion ; and grant that in this 
place which we now sacredly set apart, thy worship 
may long be maintained in truth and purity. May 
the worshippers in this house be impressed with a 
deep sense of thy adorable Majesty, and of thy 
great goodness ; as well as with a just and humil- 
iating view of their own unworthiness and entire 
dependance : that so approaching thy sanctuary 
with lowliness and sincere devotion : and coming 
before thee with clean thoughts, and pure hearts ; 
with bodies undefiled, and minds sanctified ; they 
may always perform an acceptable service, to thy 
glory, and their own high satisfaction and joy ; 
through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 

A sentence of dedication may then be solemnly pronounced by 
the officiating minister, or by some one chosen to do it, in the 
form following, or such like. 

In the name or God. Amen, 

In behalf of the ministering brethren who are 
present, ministers under Christ, of the Christian 
Sanctuary, and of " the true tabernacle, which the 
Lord pitched, and not man" — In behalf of all who 
witness this sacred and joyful dedication — In behalf 
of all who have contributed to the erection of this 
edifice ; and especially in behalf of the Christian 



DEDICATION OF CHURCHES. 



93 



society in this place, for whose particular accommo- 
dation and benefit this building has been erected ; I 
solemnly pronounce and declare this house, by the 
name and title of the Church of the First, [Second, or 
Third, as the case may be] Universalist Society in [here 
give the name of the town or city] now sacredly set apart 
from all profane and common uses, and reverently 
devoted and consecrated, to the service and worship 
of the One Living and True God : " of whom, 
and through whom, and to whom are all things :" 
and to whom be ascribed all majesty, dominion and 
power; and all honour, thanksgiving and praise ; as 
it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, 
world without end. Amen. 

The following may then be said by the officiating minister, and 
by the other ministers and people, alternately as before : all 
standing : selected from the 118th Psalm. 

Minister, O give thanks unto the Lord, for he 
is gracious ; because his mercy endureth for ever. 

Response. Let Israel now say that he is gra- 
cious, and that his mercy endureth for ever. 

M, Let the house of Aaron now say, that his 
mercy endureth for ever. 

R. Let them now that fear the Lord, say that 
his mercy endureth for ever. 

M. The Lord is my strength and song, and is 
become my salvation. 

R. The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the 
tabernacles of the righteous : the right hand of the 
Lord doeth valiantly. 

M. The right hand of the Lord is exalted ; the 
right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly. 

R. Open to me the gates of righteousness : I 
will go into them ; and I will praise the Lord. 

M. This is the gate of the Lord into which the 
righteous shall enter. 



94 



TJNIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



R, I will praise thee ; for thou hast heard me, 
and art become my salvation. 

M. The stone which the builders refused is be- 
come the head-stone of the corner. 

R, This is the Lord's doing ; it is marvellous in 
our eyes. 

M. This is the day which the Lord hath made ; 
we will rejoice and be glad in it. 

R, Save now, I beseech thee, O Lord ; O Lord, 
I beseech thee send now prosperity. 

M. Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the 
Lord : we have blessed you out of the house of the 
Lord. 

R, God is the Lord who hath showed us light: 
bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of 
the altar. 

31. Thou art my God, and I will praise thee : 
thou art my God, I will exalt thee. 

R. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: 
for his mercy endureth for ever. 

M, Glory to God in the highest. 

R. And on earth peace, good will toward men. 

Then the choir may sing a hymn, or anthem. Then may follow 
the sermon and address. Then another hymn ; and then the 
dosing prayer, and benediction. 

A Prayer of Dedication, in Imitation of the Prayer of Solomon 
at the Dedication of the Ancient Temple of Jerusalem. 

T ORD God of Israel, and the God and Father of 
our Lord Jesus Christ — There is no God like 
thee, in heaven above, or on the earth beneath ; who 
keepest covenant and mercy with thy servants, and 
with thy people in all generations. As thou didst 
perform thy word which thou spakest unto thy ser- 
vant David of old, concerning the throne of Israel ; 
so, O Lord, we look unto thee for the performance, 



DEDICATION OF CHURCHES. 



95 



in due time, of that which thou hast promised to the 
seed of David, even thy son the Messiah, saying, I 
shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and 
the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession." 
Let thy word, O Lord, be verified, which thou hast 
spoken ; and let all thy promises which thou hast 
made concerning the children of men, be fulfilled, 
according to thy faithfulness and truth. 

And although heaven, and the heaven of heavens 
cannot contain thee, much less this house which we 
have builded; yet have thou respect unto the prayer 
of thy servants and to their supplication, O Lord 
our God ; to hearken unto the cry and to the prayer 
which thy servants pray before thee to-day. That 
thine eyes may be open toward this house night and 
day : even toward this place in which we are now 
assembled to record thy name here : that thou may- 
est hearken unto the prayers which thy servants 
shall make in this place. And hearken thou, O 
Lord, to the supplications of thy servants, and of 
thy people, whensoever they shall pray in this place, 
and hear thou in heaven thy dwelling-place, and 
when thou hearest, forgive. 

When thy people shall be smitten wath calamity 
and affliction, because they have sinned against thee ; 
and shall turn again to thee, and confess thy name, 
and pray, and make supplication unto thee in this 
house : then hear thou in heaven, and forgive the 
sin of thy people, and restore to them the tokens of 
thy favour and loving-kindness. 

When heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, be- 
cause they have sinned against thee ; if they pray 
in this place, and confess thy name, and turn from 
their sin, when thou afflictest them : then hear thou 
in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy servants, and 
of thy people, and teach them the good way where- 
in they should walk, and give rain upon thy land 



96 



tTNIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



which thou hast given to thy people for an inher- 
itance. 

If there be in the land famine, if there be pesti- 
lence, blasting, mildew, or destroying insects ; if 
their enemy besiege them in their land ; whatsoever 
plague, whatsoever sickness there be ; v/hat prayer 
and supplication soever be made by any man, or by 
all thy people, which shall know every man the 
plague of his own heart, and spread forth his hands 
ill this house : then hear thou in heaven thy dwel- 
ling-place, and forgive, and do good unto thy peo- 
ple, according to the greatness of thy mercy, and 
thy tender compassion : that thy people may fear 
thee, and love thee all the days that they live in the 
land which thou gavest unto them. 

Moreover, concerning the stranger, that is not of 
thy people in this place, but cometh out from an- 
other people : (for they shall hear of thy name, and 
of thy strong hand, and of thy stretched-out arm) 
when he shall come and pray in this house. Hear 
thou in heaven thy dwelling-place, and do according 
to all that the stranger calleth to thee for : that all 
people of the earth may know thy name, to fear 
thee, and to love thee, and that they may know that 
this house is called by thy name. 

If thy people sin against thee, (for there is no 
man that sinneth not,) yet if they shall bethink them- 
selves in their wanderings from thy righteous ways, 
and repent, and make supplication unto thee, saying, 
"We have sinned, and have done perversely, we 
have committed wickedness and so return unto 
thee with all their heart and with all their soul, and 
pray unto thee in this house, which is built for thy 
name ; then hear thou their prayer and their suppli- 
cation, in heaven thy dwelling-place, and forgive thy 
people that have sinned against thee, and all their 
transgressions wherein they have transgressed 



DEDICATION OF CHURCHES. 



97 



against thee : for they be thy people, and thine in- 
heritance, whom thou hast brought out of heathen 
darkness and bondage, into the glorious light and 
liberty of the gospel, by the hand of thy Son Jesus 
Christ, our Redeemer. 

Arise, therefore, O Lord God, into thy resting- 
place, thou, and the ark of thy strength : let thy 
priests, O Lord God, be clothed with salvation, and 
let thy saints rejoice in goodness ; yea, let them like 
thy people Israel of old time, worship, and praise 
the Lord, saying, " For he is good, for his mercy 
endureth for ever." 

And now, O Lord our God, like as it was at the 
dedication of thy ancient temple at Jerusalem, when 
the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the 
burnt-offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of 
the Lord filled the house of the Lord, so let thy 
glory descend and fill this house, this Christian 
temple, which we now dedicate to thee and to thy 
service. Let the fire of divine love infiame every 
heart ; and let the offering which we present unto 
thee this day, be acceptable and well-pleasing in thy 
sight, and come up before thee as a sacrifice of a 
sweet-smelling savour. 

Especially, O Lord our God, would we offer unto 
thee at this time, the sacrifice of praise, giving 
thanks to thy name ; that in the new and Christian 
covenant, ordered in all things and sure, we can 
have boldness to enter into the holiest of all by the 
blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which he 
hath consecrated for us, through the vail, even his 
flesh ; and that we have a faithful and merciful High 
Priest over the house of God, such a High Priest 
as became us who is holy, harmless, undefiled, sep- 
arate from sinners, and made higher than the heav- 
ens ; who needeth not daily, like the priests under 
the first covenant, to offer up sacrifices, first for his 
9 



98 



UXIVEESALIST MANUAL. 



own sins, and then for those of the people ; but who 
after he had offered one sacrifice for sins, for ever 
sat down on the right hand of God : not entering 
into the holy places made with hands, which are the 
figures of the true, but into heaven itself, now to 
appear in the presence of God for us. From hence- 
forth expecting till his enemies be made his foot- 
stool: till every knee shall bow, and every tongue 
confess that he is Lord, to the glory of God the 
Father, May we therefore draw near to God with 
a true heart, in full assurance of faith ; having our 
hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our 
bodies cleansed from all defilement. May we, O 
Lord, be enabled to hold fast the profession of our 
faith without wavering ; knowing that he is faithful 
that promised; and may we consider one another to 
provoke unto love, and to good Vv^orks : not forsa- 
king the assembling of ourselves together, as the 
manner of some is, but exhorting one another, and 
so much the more as we see the perfect day of gos- 
pel light, and of universal salvation approaching. 

And now, O Lord our God, together v/ith this 
house which is sacredly set apart to thy worship, 
we offer and present unto thee ourselves, our souls 
and bodies, as a willing, holy, and living sacrifice 
unto thee, to be devoted henceforth to a ready and 
cheerful obedience to thy v/ill, and to the setting 
forth of thy praise and glory, which is both our 
bounden duty, and most reasonable service. And 
we also earnestly commend to thy grace and mercy, 
O Lord, both this our beloved country in which we 
live, with its inhabitants, and all its interests, and 
the whole world of mankind; praying that thou 
wouldst cause thy way to be known upon earth, 
thy saving health among all nations ; that the people 
may praise thee, yea, that all the people may praise 



CLOSING PRAYERS AND BENEDICTIONS. 99 



thee : that thy kingdom may come, and thy will be 
done on earth as it is in heaven. 

Let thy blessing, heavenly Father, attend thy 
word which may be spoken to us at this time, and 
all the religious services of this solemn and joy- 
ful occasion : direct us, we pray thee, in all our 
doings with thy most gracious favour, and further 
us with thy continual help, that in all our works, 
begun, continued and ended in thee, we may glorify 
thy holy name, and that we may, in due time, real- 
ize and enjoy the perfect accomplishment of thy 
great and precious promises, which are exceeding, 
abundant, above all that we ask or think. And unto 
thee, O Almighty God and Father of all, be glory 
ascribed in the church of the Redeemer, and by all 
intelligent beings, throughout all ages, world with- 
out end. Amen. 



CLOSING PRAYERS AND BENEDICTIONS. 



With respect to praying after sermon, the practice among Uni- 
versalist ministers is not uniformly the same ; nor is it neces- 
sary that it should be so. Some close the services, after 
preaching, with a hymn and the benediction ; whilst others 
offer a short prayer after the sermon, either before or after the 
last singing, and then dismiss the congregation with a benedic- 
tion. In relation to this matter no advice seems necessary. 
Let each minister, or leader of the public services, adopt such 
course as he shall judge expedient, and as shall appear to be 
most agreeable to the people among whom he officiates. 

Some short forms for prayer after sermon are here given. 



LMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, we would 
■ offer unto thee our united thanksgiving and 



Closing Prayer. 




100 



UNIVERSALIST MA^'UAL. 



praise for the continued manifestations of thy sfood- 
ness ; and especially for this occasion of social wor- 
ship. May the religious services in which we have 
been engaged, have a sanctifying influence on our 
minds. And grant that the instructions which have 
here been communicated, as far as they accord with 
the truth of thy holy word, may by thy grace, be so 
engrafted in our hearts, that they may bring forth in 
us the fruit of good living, in the faithful discharge 
of our duty, and in cheerful obedience to thy holy 
will ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Another Closing Prayer. 

j^JOST merciful and gracious Lord our God, we 
desire to render thee our sincere and devout ac- 
knowledgments for all thy favours ; in particular 
for our religious privileges, and for the opportunity 
we have enjoy ed on this occasion, of uniting to- 
gether in the devotions of the Christian sanctuary. 
Pardon, we pray thee, what thou hast beheld amiss 
in us : graciously accept our imperfect services : 
grant us thy blessing, suited to our various condi- 
tions and necessities ; and have us, O heavenly 
Father, now and always, in thy holy keeping. Be 
our criiide through life, our support at its close in 
this frail and uncertain state, and our portion for 
evermore ; through Jesus Christ, our blessed Re- 
deemer and Saviour. Amex. 

Another, 

T7ATHER of all mercies, and God of all grace and 
consolation — Thy service is the most perfect 
freedom: a day, or an hour in thy courts is better 
than a thousand in the tents of uno-odliness. We 
thank thee for the instructions of thy word, and for 
the consolations, and the heavenly hopes of thegos- 



CLOSING PRAYERS AND BENEDICTIONS. 



101 



pel of our salvation. And O, blessed Lord, who 
hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our 
learning ; grant that we may in such wise hear 
them ; read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, 
that by patience and comfort of thy holy word, we 
may embrace, and ever hold fast, the blessed hope 
of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in thy 
Son, and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen. 

Benedictions. 

IVTAY grace, mercy and peace from God our Fa- 
ther, as revealed through his Son Jesus Christ, 
our Redeemer, in the glorious gospel, be with you 
all, now and evermore. Amen. 

jYI^AY the blessing of our Father and our God — 
the fellowship of his Son — the communion of 
his Spirit — the knowledge of his truth, and the ex- 
perience of his salvation, be ours, now, henceforth, 
and for evermore. Amen. 

j^OW the God of peace that brought again from the 
dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of 
the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting cov- 
enant, make you perfect in every good work to do 
his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing 
in his sight, through Jesus Christ ; to whom — even 
to the God of peace, our heavenly Father — be glory 
for ever and ever. Amen. Heb xiii. 20, 21. 

jl^OW, brethren, I commend you to God, and to 
the word of his grace, which is able to build 
you up, and to give you an inheritance among all 
them which are sanctified. And to the only wise 
God, our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion 
and power, both now and ever. Amen. 

Acts XX. 32. Jude 24. 
9* 



102 



UNIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



^HE Lord bless you and keep you: the Lord 
make his face shine upon you, and be gracious 
unto you: the Lord lift up his countenance upon 
you, and give you peace, both now and evermore. 
Amen. Num. vi. 24, 26. 

IVTAY the peace of God which passeth all under- 
standing keep your hearts and minds in the 
knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus 
Christ, now, henceforth, and for ever. Amen. 



THE COMMUNION. 

Remarks concerning the Lord's Supper, icith a Form for its Ad- 

ministration. 

There are some varieties of opinion in the denom- 
ination of Universalists, in relation to this Christian 
institution called the Lord's Supper. Some consid- 
er the observance, and the due celebration of it, to 
be equally binding upon Christians in all ages of the 
Christian church ; whilst others think its obligation 
was only temporary. The former, in support of 
their opinion, refer to the direction of Jesus to his 
disciples — "Do this in remembrance of me ;" and 
also to the language of St. Paul, where in reference 
to it he says — " For as often as ye eat this bread, and 
drink this cup, ye do show forth the Lord's death 
till he come." The latter think the lano^uao-e of the 
Saviour, at the institution of the ordinance, does not 
determine its 'perpetual obligation in all after ages. 
They also think, that the apostle, in saying : — " Ye 
do show forth the Lord's death till he come,^^ alludes 
to the coming of Christ which took place long ago, 
even at the period of the abrogation of the Jewish 



THE COMMUNION. 



103 



economy, and the establishment of the Christian sys- 
tem. If such is to be understood as the meaning of 
the apostle, (and it is clearly the meaning in several 
other places where the coining of Christ is men- 
tioned,) then the passage above cited, affords no con- 
clusive argument for the perpetual observance of the 
institution in all succeeding ages. 

There are many of our ministering brethren and 
others who, although they do not consider the cele- 
bration of the communion strictly obligatory on 
Christians at present, are yet in favour of its regular 
observance ; believing it expedient^ and calculated 
to be useful, as a means of edification. (It was evi- 
dently on the principle of expediency that St. Paul 
circumcised Timothy. See Acts xvi. 3.) 

In the writer's view of the subject, these reasons 
for the continued use of this symbolic and commem- 
orative ordinance, are satisfactory. It is obviously 
certain that there are several things, and they are 
thought important, which Christians, and Christian 
ministers, generally, observe and practice, for which 
no express Scripture direction can be found. Such, 
in particular, is the observance of the first day of 
the week as a Christian Sabbath. If primitive ex- 
ample^ in apostolic times, be urged as equivalent to 
a command in that case, the inquiry might arise, 
why other early Christian examples should not be 
equally obligatory? — such as the ' washing one an- 
other's feet,' the ' kiss of charity,' &c. 

The custom of singing and praying before 
preaching, almost universally prevails among all 
Christian sects. Yet for this practice there is nei- 
ther precept nor example in the Scriptures. But it is 
thought to be expedient; and none — with the excep- 
tion of the denomination of Friends, or Quakers, 
appear to doubt its propriety and utility. 

It is on the same ground, namely, of expediency 



104 



UNIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



and utility, that I would choose to place the present 
and continued observance of the institution of the 
Lord's Supper. It emblematically sets forth the in- 
finite compassion and benevolence of our Maker, 
and the dying love of our Redeemer. And although 
these should not be remembered merely once a 
month, or as often as the communion is administer- 
ed, but should be habitually and constantly reflected 
upon; yet it may be expedient and very useful 
to have certain seasons appointed and set apart 
for the more solemn and devout contemplation 
of the riches of divine grace and mercy, and the 
wonders of redeeming love, as they are impressively 
represented, in what is appropriately denominated 
the Lord's Supper, or the Last Supper. If its 
tendency is, as it is believed to be, to increase rev- 
erence, gratitude, and pious devotion toward God; 
and unity, Christian sympathy, and brotherly love 
and kindness among the members, it must be 
advisable to perpetuate its observance. When 
these good effects are not produced, or promoted, 
or should they cease to result from it, the contin- 
ued celebration of the ordinance would not be 
desirable. 

I would here beg leave to notice an opinion, which 
appears to have been very generally imbibed, and 
which prevails among nearly all denominations of 
Christians, but which I apprehend cannot be fairly 
sustained ; and for the proceeding founded upon it, 
I find no competent authority. I allude to the dis- 
tinction that is made between a Christian society 
and a Christian church. These appear to be regard- 
ed as two distinct bodies: one a church of Christ, 
the other a society of Christian believers,, but not a 
church. The New Testament, I believe, furnishes 
no authority for such a distinction. In reference to 
individuals, also, the remark is often made, that 



THE COMMUNION. 



105 



such a one is a 'professor of religion., and such an- 
other one is not a professor." The meaning intended 
to be conveyed is, that the one is a commuiiicant^ 
and therefore a member of the church, and a profes- 
sor of religion ; the other does not partake of the 
communion, and therefore is not a member ; and 
consequently (as it is commonly understood) not a 
professor of religion. According to this view, it 
would seem that a person may be a sincere and firm 
believer in Jesus Christ, as the true Messiah and 
Saviour of men : he may have full faith in the sacred 
Scriptures, and in the gospel ministry of reconcilia- 
tion, and may constantly attend upon it with devout 
affection, gratitude and joy : he may contribute lib- 
erally for the support of that ministry, and may ex- 
hibit, in his daily walk and conversation, all the vir- 
tues of the Christian calling, and be in all respects, 
perhaps, a much better member of a Christian soci- 
ety than many communicants are ; yet if not having 
seen it his duty, or from some other cause, he has 
not partaken of the Eucharist, or the Lord's Supper, 
he must not be reckoned as a member of the church 
of Christ. 

But here the obvious inquiry arises, why the uni- 
ting in one act, or one Christian duty, should entitle 
a person to the distinctive appellation of ^professor, 
or a member of the church, more than the perform- 
ance of another, or of all other Christian duties ? I 
am persuaded, however, that such are not the views 
of Universalists generally upon this subject, although 
language may sometimes be used by them which 
would seem to intimate it. Such, for instance, as 
the statements which frequently appear in our pa- 
pers, that at such a time, in such a place, or in such 
a Universalist society, a church was formed or re- 
cognised ; although said society had existed in the 
place for years, and had kept up and supported the 



106 



UNIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



Christian ministry, and Christian worship. All per- 
sons who adopt the Christian faith, and who mani- 
fest their attachment to it in preference to all other 
systems of doctrine and worship, are of course con- 
sidered members of the Christian community. But 
what, I would respectfully ask, is a Christian church, 
but a community of Christian believers and wor- 
shippers ? 

To sum up these remarks, which may have been 
unnecessarily particular and protracted, it appears 
to me that all religious societies or associations, who 
acknowledge Jesus of Nazareth as the true Messiah, 
and the Christian Scriptures as especially their guide, 
are properly Christian churches : or rather, different 
sections of the one visible universal church of Christ. 
These sections are doubtless many of them defective 
in many respects ; and some of them grossly cor- 
rupt, in doctrine and practice ; and in the best of 
them, there may be, and often are, unworthy and 
unruly members. In all Christian churches or soci- 
eties, therefore, (for I consider them synonymous,) 
due government and discipline should be established 
and exercised ; for the correction of irregularities ; 
for the preservation of order ; and for the promotion 
of unity and concord, in the principles and spirit of 
the Divine Teacher, by whose name they are called, 
and whose religion they profess. 

In the different denominations of protestant Chris- 
tians, a somewhat different manner of celebrating the 
communion is observed. In the Episcopal church, 
the communicants leave their seats and go to the 
altar, and there in a kneeling posture, receive the 
bread and wine from the hand of the ministers only ; 
which is considered indispensable to the due admin- 
istration of the ordinance. In churches of other de- 
nominations the elements are handed round by the 
deacons^ to the members in their seats. This differ- 



THE COMMUNION. 



107 



ence in the manner of distribution, we are disposed 
to consider not essential. 

The qualifications requisite for membership, and 
the mode of admitting to, as well as excluding from 
the communion, are matters belonging to government 
and discipline ; to be exercised according to such 
rules and regulations as the members of each sepa- 
rate church shall adopt. 

Wow frequently the communion shall be adminis- 
tered ; as also whether it shall be in the morning, 
afternoon, or evening ; are circumstances which 
may properly be determined in the same way. The 
desirable object should be, that all things may be 
done to edification." 

A proposed Form and Manner of celebrating the Communion. 

The bread and wine having been prepared and placed upon the 
communion table, the minister, at the proper time, standing by 
the table, may begin the services by offering some brief re- 
marks upon the nature and design of the institution ; which 
may be in substance like the following : 

Beloved Brethren, we are now about to cele- 
brate the holy communion of the body and blood of 
Christ; in imitation of the example of the early 
Christians, and agreeably to the directions which our 
Saviour gave to his disciples, at his last supper with 
them. At that supper, which was on the very night 
^ in which he was betrayed, we are told in the sacred 
records, that Jesus took bread, and when he had 
given thanks, he brake it, and gave it to his disci- 
ples, saying. Take, eat, this is my body, which is giv- 
en for you ; do this in remembrance of me. Like- 
wise after supper, he took the cup, and when he had 
given thanks, he gave it to them, saying. Drink ye 
all of it ; for this is my blood, of the New Testa- 
ment, which is shed for you, and for many, for the 



108 



tJXIVERSALIST -^IkyVAL, 



remission of sins : do this, as oft as ye shall drink 
it, in remembrance of me. 

^Ye see, therefore, that this is a commemorative 
ordinance, which emblematically represents the suf- 
ferings, and the dying love of our Redeemer, the 
divinely appointed Mediator between God and men. 
We should, therefore, come to this holy communion 
in the exercise of a true and lively faith in Christ 
our Saviour, with a thankful remembrance of what 
he hath done and suffered for our sakes, and for the 
world of mankind, and of the great goodness of our 
heavenly Father in appointing and foreordaining, 
according to His eternal purpose, and the good 
pleasure of his will, that he should be delivered 
for our offences, and raised aofain for our justifica- 
tion." 

The ordinance is also well adapted to remind us, 
and to impress strongly upon us, our obligations to 
unity, and Christian affection and kindness among 
ourselves, and toward each other ; as partakers of 
the same symbols, representing the body and blood 
of Christ ; and as members of the same universal 
church, over which the Father gave, and appointed 
him the Head in all things, and which is declared 
to be his body, "the fulness of Him that filleth all 
in all." 

When we thus come too'ether to eat the Lord's 
Supper, as we have at this time, there should be no 
divisions among us ; no evil surmisings, or unkindly 
feelings ; but as the Apostle teaches, " the members 
should have the same care one for another," and be 
" of one accord ; of one mind." Suitable, also, is 
the direction of the Apostle in another place, where, 
speaking of irregularities which had taken place in 
the Corinthian church, he says, " Purge out, there- 
fore, the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump. 
For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us. 



THE COMMUNION. 



109 



Therefore let us keep the feast, not with the old 
leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wick- 
edness ; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity 
and truth." 

Thus celebrating the communion, in thankful com- 
memoration of the great mercy and goodness of 
God, manifested in our redemption by Jesus Christ, 
and in the true spirit of Christian unity, brotherly 
kindness and charity, we shall be mutually edified, 
and with renewed energy, shall be enabled to pur- 
sue our appointed course, and go on our way re- 
joicing. 

After the above remarks, or such like, an appropriate hymn may 
be sung or omitted, as may be thought best. Then may fol- 
low a prayer, which the officiating minister will doubtless be 
able to adapt to the occasion. A form, however, as in other 
cases, is here subjoined. 

A LL glory be to thee, Almighty God, our heaven- 
ly Father, that of thy tender mercy, and thy 
unspeakable love toward mankind, thou didst send 
thy well-beloved Son into the world; not to condemn 
the world, but that the world, through him might be 
saved, and who after he had offered one sacrifice 
for sins, for ever sat down on the right hand of God, 
having obtained eternal redemption for us. 

Therefore, O heavenly Father, in obedience to 
the direction of thy Son, given to his early disciples, 
and in imitation of their example after his resurrec- 
tion, we would gratefully call to remembrance at 
this time, and devoutly celebrate, in the use of the 
appointed symbols, this marvellous exhibition of thy 
great goodness, and the great love and compassion 
of thy Son Jesus, our divinely appointed Redeemer 
and Saviour : his patient and extreme sufferings for 
our sakes, and his cheerful obedience, in accomplish- 
10 



110 



rXIVERSALIST ^lAXTAL. 



ing the high and most gracious objects of his mis- 
sion, according to thine eternal purpose, and the 
counsels of thy unbounded and unchanging love. 

^ye woukl devoutly bless and praise the name of 
the Lord our God, for all the blessings and benefits, 
temporal and spiritual, graciously conferred on us, 
for the daily bread which thou givest to nourish our 
mortal bodies, and to sustain them in health and vig- 
our, whereby we are enabled to perform the various 
and necessary duties of life. We thank thee espe- 
cially, and above all, O heavenly Father, for the gift 
of thy Son, to be to our souls the bread of life: even 
the true bread of Grod which cometh down from 
heaven, and o;iveth life unto the world. Lord, ever- 
more give us that bread, that we may eat thereof, 
and live for ever. 

And as a portion of earthly and perishable bread 
is here provided for a religious and commemorative 
purpose, we, therefore, set apart the same for a me- 
morial of thy great goodness, and the dyinof love of 
thy Son. our blessed RedeeLner. May we receive 
and partake thereof, in all humility and devout grat- 
itude, and in the exercise of a lively and steadfast 
faith, so that our inner man may be strengthened, 
confirmed, and established in the true principles, 
and in the glorious hopes of the gospel of our sal- 
vation : and that our hearts and minds may be re- 
plenished, more and more, with holy affections and 
tempers toward thee, and toward one another, to the 
gloiy of thine abundant mercy and grace, in Christ 
Jesus, our Redeemer and Saviour. Amex. 

The minister may then reverently break the bread in view of the 
communicants, saying : — 

Is imitation of the example of Jesus, at the insti- 
tution of this ordinance, we break this eucharistic 
bread, emblematically representing his precious 



THE COMMUNION. 



Ill 



body broken on the cross, for us, and for all man- 
kind. 

Then giving the bread into the hands of the deacons, for them 
to distribute among the communicants, the minister may fur- 
ther say : — 

Beloved Brethren : Take, eat, for this is a sym- 
bol of the body of Christ, given and broken for you: 
this do in remembrance of him, and feed upon him 
in your hearts by faith with thanksgiving. 

After all have been served with the bread, the minister may pour 
the wine into the cup, and then offer another short thanksgiv- 
ing and prayer, as follows : — 

UEAVENLY Father, the fruit of the vine, as well 
as all other products of the earth, are from thy 
care and bounty, O thou preserver of men, and giv- 
er of all good things. We would fervently bless 
thee for all thy benefits. But chiefly we are bound 
to thank and praise thee, O Lord, for the rich and 
plenteous provisions of thy grace in the holy gospel 
of thy Son, our Redeemer ; which may fitly be call- 
ed a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, 
well refined, and which truly maketh glad the heart 
of man. May these inestimable enjoyments be our 
most desirable portion, both here and for ever. 

And now, O God our Father, the juice of the 
earthly vine, with which this cup of communion is 
supplied, we reverently set apart for a memorial of 
thine infinite love, in the gift of thy Son for our re- 
demption and salvation, and as a symbolic represent- 
ation of that precious blood, for the shedding of 
which he, our blessed Redeemer, freely yielded him- 
self up a sacrifice on the cross, for a sinful world. 
May we reflect upon our sins, and our great unwor- 
thiness, with lowly penitence and self-abasement; 
and may we devoutly remember, with emotions of 



112 



rxiVERSALIST MANUAL. 



ardent gratitude, that we have been redeemed, not 
with corruptible things, as silver and gold, but with 
the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without 
blemish, and without spot : who verily was foreor- 
dained before the foundation of the world, but was 
manifest in these last, gospel times for us ; who by 
him do believe in God, that raised him up from the 
dead, and gave him glory, that our faith and hope 
might be in God. 3Iay we constantly bear in mind 
that we are not our own, that we are bought with 
a price ; may we, therefore, glorify God in our body, 
and in our spirit, which are God's. 

And here we offer and present unto thee, O Lord, 
ourselves, our souls and bodies, to be a reasonable, 
holy, and living sacrifice unto thee. And although 
we are unworthy, by reason of our manifold sins 
and transgressions, to present unto thee any offer- 
ing ; yet we beseech thee to accept this our sincere 
and humble service ; not weighing our merits, but 
pardoning our offences, and continuing to us the 
tokens of thy favour and goodness, through Jesus 
Christ our Lord: by whom, and through whom, in 
unity of holy affection and gratitude, all honour, 
praise and glory, be ascribed unto thee, O Father 
Almighty, world without end. Amen. 

The Pximister may then deliver the cup, to be presented to the 
communicants, severally, and addressing himself to them may 
say : — 

Beloved friends and fellow-Christians: You 
will now receive the cup ofhlessing. This cup is (by 
representation) the New Testament in Christ's blood, 
which was shed for you, and for the many, for the 
remission of sins. Drink ye all of it ; drink it in 
remembrance of Christ with a lively faith in his 
mediation, and in God's mercy and grace through 
him ; and be ye thankful. 



THE COMMUNION. 



113 



When all have partaken of the cup, another hymn, suited to the 
occasion, may be sung, all standing up. The devotions may 
then be concluded with the benediction, or the following short 
service may intervene, (selected from the communion service 
in the Episcopal Church.) 

At the close of the hymn, the minister, addressing the communi- 
cants, may say : — 
Lift up your hearts. 

Answer, We lift them up unto the Lord. 

Minister. Let us give thanks unto our Lord God. 

Answer. It is meet and right so to do. 

Min- TT is very meet, right, and our bounden 

ister. duty, that we should at all times, and in 
all places, give thanks unto thee, O Lord, Holy Fa- 
ther, Almighty, Everlasting God : — 
'PHEREFORE [here all should repeat together] vvith 

angels and archangels, and with all the company 
of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious name ; 
evermore praising thee, and saying, Holy, holy, 
holy. Lord God of Hosts ; heaven and earth are full 
of thy glory : Glory be to thee, O Lord Most High. 

Amen. 

Benediction. 

jVTOW the God of peace, that brought again from 
the dead, ' our Lord Jesus that great Shepherd 
of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting 
covenant, make you perfect in every good work 
to do his will ; working in you that which is w^^ll- 
pleasing in his sight through Jesus Christ, to whom 
be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 

10* 



114 



rNIVEESALIST MANTJAI.. 



BAPTISM. 

Remarks upon Baptism, with a Fonn for its Administration. 

That baptism by water was practised as a religious 
rite or ceremony, both by John the Baptist, and by 
the disciples of Christ, is miquestionable. And that 
its observance was continued by the apostles after 
the resurrection of our Saviour, is equally certain. 
That in all cases it was considered necessary and 
obligatory, it may not be so easy to determine. 
With respect to the proper mode of administering 
baptism, and what description of persons are the 
fit subjects for it, there have been, and there still 
exist different opinions in the Christian community. 

That baptism was not, even in the days of the 
apostles, regarded as an indispensable requisite of 
Christian faith and practice, it is thought may be 
plainly inferred from the language of St. Paul in 
reference to it. He was especially a planter of 
churches ; a teacher of the first principles of the 
doctrine of Christ. As such it Vv'as clearly his prov- 
ince to inculcate every important doctrine and duty 
appertaining to the gospel system, and the Christian 
profession. Yet we hear this same apostle saying 
to the Corinthians, "I thank God that I baptized 
none of you but Crispus and Gains, and the house- 
hold of Stephanus, for Christ sent me not to baptize, 
but to preach the gospel." He is here evidently 
speaking in reference to water baptism ; and his lan- 
guage would seem to be utterly inconsistent with 
the idea that he viewed it as a necessary and compo- 
nent part of the gospel covenant, or Christian 
economy. 

But if baptism was not strictly necessary and ob- 
ligatory in the time of the apostles, it has not been 
so since, and is not so now ; especially in a country 



BAPTISM. 



115 



where the Christian faith is established, and is the 
common profession. 

In the baptismal office in the Protestant Episcopal 
church, the public profession of the Christian faith 
is stated as the principal design of baptism. Thus 
in the address to adult persons after being baptized, 
the minister says, " And as for you who have now 
by baptism put on Christ, (professionally,) it is your 
part and duty, also, to walk answerably to your 
Christian calling, remembering always, that baptism 
representeth our profession ; which is to follow the 
example of our Saviour Christ, and to be made like 
unto him ; that as he died and rose again for us, so 
should we who are baptized, die from sin, and rise 
again unto righteousness," &c. If then the original 
design of baptism was the public avowal of the 
Christian faith, its necessity and use would seem to 
have nearly or quite ceased, where Christianity is 
the known and general profession of the religious 
community. 

Still, it is believed this is a matter in which a min- 
ister of the gospel m.ay safely, and with propriety, 
yield to the views and wishes of individuals who 
may desire the administration of baptism, either for 
themselves or their children : for in such cases, 
although, as the apostle says, it is "Not the putting 
away of the filth of the flesh," it may yet be " the 
answer of a good conscience toward God." 

The w^riter, however, begs leave candidly and 
respectfully to state an objection (which to him 
appears to be a valid one) to the common mode of 
administering the ordinance. The objection relates 
to one particular part of the ceremony employed in 
the act of baptizing ; and one which is considered 
especially important. It is the name in (or into) 
which the persons are baptized, viz., the Trinity^ 
so called, or the Father, and the Son, and the Holy 



116 



U^'IVEESALIST MANUAL. 



Ghost. This part of the ceremony is thought to be 
essential to a valid Christian baptism. The author- 
ity, and the only one, I believe, claimed for it, is the 
direction given by Christ to the eleven apostles, afier 
his resurrection, as found in Matt, xxviii. 19. Jesus 
said to them, '"Go ye therefore, and teach all na- 
tions, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and 
of the Sod. and of the Holy Ghost." From a care- 
ful examination, and comparison of several passa- 
ges, I am satisfied that water baptism is not here in- 
tended, or alluded to. 

St. 3Iark gives our Saviour's direction to the 
eleven apostles as follows: "Go ye into all the 
world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He 
that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved; but 
he that believeth not shall be damned (more proper- 
ly, condemned) and these signs shall follow them 
that believe. In my name shall they cast out dev- 
ils,*' (kc. "And they went forth and preached ev- 
erywhere ; the Lord working with them, and con- 
firming the word with signs following,*' — or accom- 
panying. 

St. Luke, who is more particular in stating the 
communications made to the apostles by the risen 
Saviour, represents him as saying to them, amon^ 
other thinofs. as follows: "These are the words 
which I spake unto you while I was yet with you, 
that all things must be fulfilled which were written 
in tlie law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the 
Psalms concerninof me. Then opened he their un- 
derstandins". that they might understand the Scrip- 
tures, and said unto them. Thus it is written, and 
thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the 
dead the third day ; and that repentance arid remis- 
sion of sins sJiouId be preached in kis name among' 
all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are 
witnesses of these things,'^ 



BAPTISM. 



117 



It appears to me from these somewhat various 
statements, that the direction given to the apostles 
was, that under the divine influence and guidance of 
the Holy Ghost, with which they were to be shortly 
and miraculously endued, they were to go forth and 
teach mankind in all places, Jews and Gentiles, the 
truths of the Christian religion ; thoroughly to im- 
bue their minds with the doctrines and spirit of the 
gospel : teaching them especially the true character 
of God, and his gracious purposes concerning man- 
kind, as therein revealed through his Son, the ap- 
pointed Mediator, and the Saviour of the world. 
This would be baptizing those who embraced their 
doctrine, " by one spirit into one body," the head of 
which is Christ. Agreeably to this the apostle says, 
"As many of you as have been baptized into Christ, 
have put on Christ," Being baptized into Christ, 
means, without doubt, the being instructed into the 
knowledge of his truth as contained in the gospel 
message of grace and salvation : cordially receiving 
it, and faithfully adhering to it. Such are truly hap- 
tized into Christ ; of which water baptism was only 
the outward sign or representation. 

That the apostles did not understand it as being 
enjoined upon them to administer water baptism in 
the name of three persons, under the distinct titles 
of Father, Son and Holy Ghost, is, I should think, 
pretty certain, from the fact that they never did so 
administer the ordinance, in a single instance, that 
we have any account of. But they did baptize in 
the name of the Lord Jesus, and in that name alone, 
as far as can be learned from the record. Thus, 
when under Peter's pathetic discourse on the day of 
Pentecost, many were "pricked in their hearts," 
and inquired what they should do, Peter said unto 
them, " Repent, and be baptized every one of you in 
the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins." 



118 



rXIVEHSALIST MANUAL. 



And they that gladly received the word were bap- 
tized accordingly. Again, the history states that 
'* when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard 
that Samaria had received the word of God, they 
sent unto them Peter and John ; who when they 
were come down, prayed for them that they might 
receive the Holy Ghost. For as yet he was fallen 
upon none of them ; only they were baptized in the 
name of the Lord Jesus. Then laid they their 
hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost." 

In the case of Cornelius the centurion, when 
Peter, by divine direction, came to his house and 
found many gathered together; after instructing 
them concerning the mission and office of Christ: 
his benevolent labours, his sufferings, death, and 
resurrection ; his directions to his apostles, &c., 
the historian says, while Peter yet spake, the Holy 
Ghost fell on all them which heard the word." Pe- 
ter then says, " Can any man forbid water, that these 
should not be baptized, which have received the 
Holy Ghost as well as we ?" "And he commanded 
them to be baptized" — not in the name of three per- 
sons, but of one — the name of the Lord, even Jesus, 
whom, as he says in another place, God hath made 
both Lord and Christ.^' 

A remarkable instance is recorded in the 19th of 
Acts. "Paul caine to Ephesus, and finding certain 
disciples, he said unto them, Have ye received the 
Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto 
him, We have not so much as heard whether there be 
any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto 
what then were ye baptized ? And they said, Unto 
John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily bap- 
tized with the baptism of repentance ; saying unto 
the people, that they should believe on him which 
should come after him : that is, on Christ Jesus. 
When they heard this they were baptized in the 



BAPTISM. 



119 



name of the Lord Jesus.^^ No intimation is given 
that they ought to be baptized in a trinity of names ; 
which if that had been the divinely appointed mode, 
St. Paul would have known it, and would doubtless 
have so directed. But they were baptized in the 
one name of the Lord Jesus, 

In St. Paul's language to the contentious Corinth- 
ians, contained in the first chapter of his first Epis- 
tle to them, there is, I think, an implied argument 
which strongly corroborates the opinion that the 
only proper name to be employed in Christian bap- 
tism, is that of our Saviour Jesus Christ. He re- 
proves them for their contentions, and their forming 
themselves into parties under different leaders. 
*' Now this I say (says he) that every one of you 
saith, I am of Paul ; and I of Apollos ; and I of Ce- 
phas ; and I of Christ." He then asks, not indeed 
to obtain information as to the several interrogato- 
ries, for he knew a decided negative must be given 
to each; but to impress deeply the minds of the Co- 
rinthians with a sense of the impropriety of their 
divisions and contentions. Is Christ divided ? was 
Paul crucified for you ? or were ye baptized in the 
name of Paul?" Upon this last interrogation, the 
commentator Dr. Adam Clark, remarks, that to be 
baptized in, or into the name of one, implied that 
the baptized was to be the disciple of him into whose 
name, religion, &c. he was baptized." This, it ap- 
pears to me, furnishes a rational argument for ad- 
ministering Christian baptism (if the external ordi- 
nance be still necessary or expedient) only in the 
name of Christ, who is the founder of the Chris- 
tian religion, and the great High Priest of our pro- 
fession, and whose disciples it is our duty, and our 
highest honour to be. 

It seems most agreeable to the nature and design 
of outward baptism, that it should be administered 



120 



UNIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



in public ; and also that it be accompanied by some 
other appropriate religious services ; as well for the 
satisfaction of the person or persons to be baptized, 
as for the edification of the people who may be in 
attendance on the occasion. It is not necessary 
that such services should always be precisely the 
same : they may be varied according to time, place, 
and circumstances, at the discretion of the officiating 
minister. 

The following form and manner of proceeding, 
are, with much diffidence, respectfully sugofested. If 
on the Sabbath, and in the church, the baptism may 
take place, either directly before, or immediately 
after the sermon. 

A proposed Form and Manner of Administering the Ordinance of 
Baptism. 

Vv'ater having been provided and conveniently placed, the min- 
ister may request the persons to be baptized to present them- 
selves before the altar. Then leaving the pulpit and going 
within the altar, he may begin the baptismal service by offer- 
ing some short observations upon the nature and design of 
baptism ; which may be, in substance, as follows : — 

Beloved Brethrex : Baptism appears to have 
been originally designed as an initiatory ordinance 
into some divinely appointed system of faith and 
practice, by which persons to whom it was adminis- 
tered, were publicly recognised as having embraced 
such system. The founder or chief minister of the 
system or institution was distinguished as leader^ 
master, or teacher, and his followers and adherents 
as his disciples. Accordingly, the Israelites are 
said to have been baptized unto Moses: and they 
valued themselves on being his disciples. Thus in 
the case of the blind man to whom sight was mirac- 
ulously given by our Saviour ; when the Pharisees 



BAPTISM. 



121 



inquired of him how he had heen made to see, he 
told them tliat a man called Jesus had done it ; and 
in what way. Not being satisfied, they inquired again 
what Jesus had done to him, and how he had open- 
ed his eyes. He replied, I have told you already, 
and ye did not hear ; wherefore would ye hear it 
again? Will ye also be his disciples Then they 
reviled him, and said, " Thou art his disciple, but 
we are Moses^ disciples. We know that God spake 
unto Moses : as for this fellow, we know not whence 
he is." 

John the Baptist, the forerunner of our Saviour, 
and whose ministry and teachings were to prepare 
the way for the ministry of Christ, baptized with 
the baptism of repentance. And those who were 
baptized by him, and who followed his teachings, 
were called the disciples of John, And although 
our Saviour did not himself baptize with water, yet 
his chosen messengers did it in his name : and those 
thus baptized into the name and the faith of Christ, 
were called his disciples. So that baptism was an 
outward and visible badge and token of their Chris- 
tian profession. 

That these persons may be publicly enrolled un- 
der the banner of Christ, the great " Captain of our 
salvation," they have here presented themselves to 
be baptized in his name, that they may be recognised 
and received as his disciples : steadfastly purposing, 
as we trust and believe, to endeavour to " learn of 
him," and to govern themselves in their desires, and 
in all their doings by the dictates of his holy reli- 
gion, and his blessed example ; and earnestly desi- 
ring to receive and enjoy the blessings of his grace, 
and the benefits of his heavenly washing, which 
cleanseth from all sin and impurity. 

Such being, as we charitably believe, the good mo- 
tives and intentions of those perso?is, in presenting 
11 



122 



UNIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



i 



themselves to receive baptism ; let us devoutly 
give thanks to God, and make our prayers unto him 
in their behalf, that they may persevere, in this their 
Christian and godly purpose, unto their lives' end. 

The following short thanksgiving and prayer, or such like, may 
then be offered : 

A LMIGHTY God, and heavenly Father, we give 
thee humble thanks that thou hast been pleased 
to call us to the knowledge of thy grace and faith 
in thee, and in thy Son Jesus Christ our Redeemer. 
We pray thee to increase this knowledge, and to 
confirm this faith in us evermore. Especially we 
pray for thy blessing upon these thy servants, who 
now publicly profess their faith and hope in thy 
mercy and goodness, as declared in the gospel of 
thy Son, the new and everlasting covenant of thy 
grace. And as in ancient time, Noah and his family 
were preserved on the flood of waters by the ark, 
which was a type of the true ark of safety revealed 
in the gospel; and as of old, also, thy people, the 
children of Israel, were led through the Red sea, and 
were baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea ; 
which was also a figure of the great salvation set 
forth in the Christian covenant, into the faith of 
which these persons come now to be baptized with 
the element of water ; so, we beseech thee to extend 
thy constant protection, and thy bounteous mercy 
to these thy servants, and to have them in thy holy 
keeping. Shower down upon them thy blessed in- 
fluences of that grace and truth which came by Je- 
sus Christ. Endue them plenteously, O Lord, with 
might in the inner man ; that they may be enabled 
to contend earnestly for the faith once delivered unto 
the saints ; be safely carried through all temptations 
and dangers, steadfast in the truth, joyful through 



BAPTISM. 



123 



hope, and rooted in charity. And finally, having 
passed the waves of the troiihled sea of life, may 
they reach the shores of a hlessed immortality, and 
he inheritors of thy heavenly kingdom, in a world 
without end. Amen. 

The persons then, either kneeling at the altar, or standing before 
it, as may be preferred ; the minister, having the name of each 
given him, may sprinkle or pour water on the head of each, 
pronouncing as follows : — 

N. (naming the person) / baptize thee in the name of 
the Lord Jesus, and into the faith and 'profession of 
his holy religion. 

This being done to each separately, he may then further say as 
follows : — 

In the name of the Christian church universal ; 
and in hehalf of this section of it in particular, we 
receive these persons, now baptized as members 
thereof; and cordially greet them as fellow-disciples 
of our one common Lord and Redeemer, who died 
for our sins, and rose again for our justification ; 
and who was sent by the father to be the Saviour 

OF THE WORLD. 

The minister then addressing himself to the baptized persons, 
may say as follows : — 

Beloved in the Lord : as you have now by bap- 
tism publicly professed your faith in Christ, and in 
the truth and excellence of the holy religion of the 
gospel ; you should constantly keep in mind your 
obligation to live answerably to your Christian cal- 
ling : remembering always that baptism representeth 
unto us our profession ; which is, to follow the ex- 
ample of our Saviour Christ, and to be made like 
unto him ; that as he died and rose again for us, we 
also, as Christians, should die to sin, and rise unto 



124 



UNIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



righteousness, and thus set forth the praise of him 
who hath called us to glory and virtue. 

The baptismal service may then be concluded with the Lord's 
prayer ; the baptized persons, and others present, if so dis- 
posed, repeatmg it audibly with the minister. 

NOTE. 

The foregoing service contemplates the baptizing 
of several persons at the same time. When one 
person only is to be baptized, the singular number 
instead of the plural should be used. It is also here 
supposed that the act of baptizing would be by 
sprinkling or pouring water on the person. Yet 
should a person choose to be baptized by immersion, 
the minister would doubtless comply with such 
choice, when the season and circumstances render it 
convenient. 

It cannot, we believe, be ascertained, that either 
John the Baptist, or any of the apostles ever admin- 
istered baptism by immersion. That the latter did 
not always confer the ordinance in that mode, is, we 
think, nearly certain from the attending circumstan- 
ces stated in some cases. And, indeed, "baptizing 
loith water," more naturally conveys the idea of ap- 
plying water to the person, than applying the person 
to the water, as is done by plunging, or immersion. 
The use of water in baptism can only be emhlemati- 
cal, representing purity, or purification, and may 
fitly prefigure the purity, and the cleansing qualities 
of Christian principles and doctrine, into the public 
profession of which the person is baptized. And to 
answer the purpose of an emblem, a small quantity 
of water is sufhcient. In the warm season and 
where it is convenient, immersion, if a person pre- 
fer that mode, need not, and we think should not, be 



BAPTISM. 



125 



objected to, by those who do not think it necessary. 
But in cold weather, in the depth of winter, to bap- 
tize by immersion in the open air, and even to cut 
through the ice for the purpose, as of late is often 
practised, we apprehend cannot be required as ne- 
cessary; and we cannot help viewing it as inconsist- 
ent with the genius of the gospel, and the nature 
jiiid design of its institutions, none of which were 
intended to be, nor if judiciously administered, would 
be, irksome or disagreeable, in any season, in health 
or in sickness. 

Form for the Public Baptism of Children. 

The minister, either before or after sermon on the Sabbath, may- 
desire the child, or children to be presented for baptism. 
Then going within the altar, he may begin the ba])tismal ser- 
vice, by offering some appropriate observations such as the 
following : — 

Christian friends and brethren : Very gra- 
cious and endearing is the language of our Saviour, 
in relation to young children, as we find it recorded 
in the tenth chapter of the gospel by St. Mark. 
"They brought young children to Christ, that he 
should touch them, and his disciples rebuked those 
who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was 
much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little 
children to come unto me, and forbid them not ; for 
of such is the kingdom of God, Verily I say unto 
you, whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of 
God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And 
he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon 
them, and blessed them." 

St. Peter also, on the day of Pentecost, when un- 
der his preaching men were pricked in their hearts, 
and inquired what they should do, replied, and tes- 
tified, saying, " Repent and be baptized, every one 
11* 



126 



TJNIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remis- 
sion of sins For the promise is unto you, and to 

your children," &c. We see by these scriptures, 
that the affection of our heavenly Father, and his 
covenant of promise, embrace little children. We 
also learn from other parts of the divine record, that 
in the days of the apostles, whole households, or fam- 
ilies, w^ere dedicated to the service of God in Chris- 
tian baptism ; and which appears to have been done 
on the faith, and doubtless at the request of the pa- 
rents, or governors of such households, on their con- 
version to Christianity. In imitation of which ex- 
amples, this child is [or these children are, if more than one] 
now presented for baptism. Let us therefore, in- 
voke the divine blessing on this religious service* 

Let us pray. 

A LMIGHTY and everlasting God, who hast so 
loved the world of mankind, as to give thine 
only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, for their redemp- 
tion and salvation : who was holy, harmiless, and un- 
defiled; who, when on earth, went about doing good, 
healing and delivering all that were oppressed. 
Who also, in the tenderness of his compassion, and 
his great benevolence, took little children into his 
arm.s, embraced and blessed them, declaring that of 
such is the kino^dom of God ; we beseech thee, 
heavenly Father, to receive and embrace in the arms 
of thy mercy and love, this present little child, 
whom we now publicly offer and dedicate unto thee. 
Shed upon him [or her] O Lord, the holy and puri- 
fying influences of Divine grace, emblematically set 
forth by the sprinkling of pure water. And if in 
thy good providence, the life of this child shall be 
prolonged to mature age, grant that he may be both 
disposed and enabled to honour the Name and the 
holy religion, into which he is now to be baptized. 



BAPTISM, 



127 



May he be an exemplary and useful member of the 
Christian Church, and richly enjoy its inestimable 
privileges and blessings, through Jesus Christ our 
Lord. Amen. 

The minister may then take the child into his hands, or, it being 
conveniently placed before him, and its name given, he (dis- 
tinctly pronouncing the name) may discreetly pour, or sprmkle 
v^rater upon the child, saying : — 

I baptize thee, in the name of the Lord Jesus; 
and receive thee, as a lamb of the Christian flock, 
into the fold of Christ the great Shepherd, [here laying 
his hand upon the child he may continue, saying] and do pro- 
nounce thee blessed, in the name of the Lord, a 
member of his kingdom of gospel grace, and an heir 
of the kingdom of glory ; according to the good 
pleasure, and the eternal purpose of God, our heav- 
enly Father, through Jesus Christ, our Redeemer 
and Saviour. Amen. 

The baptismal service may then be closed by some short advice 
to the parents concerning the bringing up of the child, and by 
devoutly, and unitedly repeating the Lord's Prayer ; or in 
such other way as the minister may think expedient. 



DEDICATION OF CHILDREN. 

There are many in the denomination of Univer- 
salists, who do not regard it as a duty incumbent on 
them, to offer up their children in the ordinance of 
water baptism, either by immersion or sprinkling ; 
not finding in the Scriptures, as they think, any 
command or example, requiring, or commanding the 
same. But while they dissent, in this respect, from 
the general opinion of the Christian church, thev 



128 



UNIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



! 



cannot reasonably be supposed to entertain less af- 
fection for their offspring, or less solicitude for their 
spiritual welfare. Believing, as the Psalmist ex- 
presses it, that " children are a heritage of the Lord," 
and a gift which cometh from him, they esteem it 
both a duty and privilege, publicly to devote and 
dedicate them, as a free-will offering, to him, and to 
his service. 

It has been thought that both in the Old and New 
Testaments indications are given of such an obser- 
vance, sufficient to warrant the practice ; and hence, 
in the denomination of Universalists, the custom of 
the public dedication of children, by solemn prayer 
and thanksgiving, has obtained in many places, and 
to a considerable extent. Indeed, the conduct of 
our blessed Saviour toward the little children that 
were brought to him, as particularly stated in Mark 
X. 13 — 16, is of itself an ample justification of such 
religious service and dedication. In compliance 
with this authoritative, and most endearing example 
of our Lord and Master, the following form is hum- 
bly submitted. 

At the appointed time, the parents with their child (or children) 
may present themselves before the minister, who may then ad- 
dress them on this wise : — 

Beloved Brethren : It is the testimony of the 
Scriptures, that children are a heritage and gift 
that cometh of the Lord ; and under the Jewish dis- 
pensation, children, and especially the first-born, 
were wont to be solemnly devoted to the God of 
Israel, and his blessing implored upon them. And 
although we are no longer under that law, and the 
yoke of the many irksome observances which it im- 
posed, yet are we equally bound to offer and devote 
our children to God, even the Father of our Lord 
Jesus Christ, and who also is like the God and Fa- 



DEDICATION OF CHILDREN. 



129 



ther of all men, and to invoke for them his constant 
favour and benediction. The example of Jesus also 
testifies, how precious little children were in his 
sight; how lovely their innocence, and how worthy 
to be imitated. Hence the Evangelist tells us, 

They brought young children to Christ that he 
should touch them, and his disciples rebuked those 
who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was 
much displeased, and said unto them ; Suffer the lit- 
tle children to come unto me, and forbid them not, 
for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say 
unto you, whoever shall not receive the kingdom of 
God as a little child, he shall not enter therein : and 
he took them up in his arms, put his hands on them, 
and blessed them." 

From this portion of the gospel testimony, we 
learn the great affection which Jesus entertained for 
the lambs of his flock: how he rebuked those who 
would have kept them from him : how he embraced 
and blessed them, and pronounced them heirs, and 
fit subjects of his kingdom, even that kingdom of 
grace and salvation, which, "in the dispensation of 
the fulness of times, shall gather together in one, all 
things in Christ;" making, of the universe, one 
blessed family. 

Being thus persuaded of the good will, and the 
great and unceasing love of our heavenly Father to- 
ward his whole human offspring; and not doubting 
that he favourably regardeth this pious care in pre- 
senting this child [or these children] to be dedicated 
to his service, let us devoutly give thanks, and offer 
our fervent supplications unto him. 

Let us pray. 

A LMIGHTY and everlasting God, our heavenly 
Father, we give thee humble thanks that thou 
hast vouchsafed to call us to the knowledge of thy 



130 



U^'IYEHSALIST MANUAL. 



grace and failh in thee, as revealed in the gospel of 
thy Son, our Redeemer, Increase this knowledge, 
and confirm this faith in us ever, more and more. 
Be pleased, we beseech thee, O Lord, graciously to 
look upon this child, w^hom we now offer and ded- 
icate to thee, in all humility and gratitude. Re- 
ceive it, we pray thee, as thine owm, and have it 
always in thy protection and holy keeping^. Endue 
it with thy good spirit: counsel it with thy wisdom, 
in its journey through this mortal life, and save it 
wdth thine ow^n free grace, in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

Amen. 

The minister then addressing himself especially to the parents, 
may say as follows : — 

Dearly Beloved : Ye have brought this child 
here to be dedicated to him w^ho gave it. Ye have 
prayed that God's holy Spirit may rest upon and 
accompany it through life. You should, therefore, 
constantly bear in mind, that it is your most solemn 
and bounden duty, to endeavour that this child be 
brought up "in the nurture and admonition of the 
Lord." Your counsels and your example are, in a 
great degree, the influences under which, in the 
providence of God, its mind and manners are to be 
moulded, and its character formed. Be careful, 
then, to instil into its young and growing mind, 
those salutary lessons of religion and morality 
which are found in the gospel of our salvation. And 
inasmuch as your teaching and your precepts, will 
usually be of little avail, if a corresponding practice 
does not accompany them, I entreat you to commend 
your counsels and admonitions, by a well-ordered 
life and conversation, thereby adorning the doctrine 
of God our Saviour in all things, and walking wor- 
thy of the high vocation wherewith ye are called. 
And may you be of the number of those who are 



DEDICATION OF CHILDREN. 



131 



" the blessed of the Lord, and their children with 
them." 

The minister then taking the child in his arms, or having it con- 
veniently placed, and its name given him, he repeating it in 
an audible voice, may say as follows : — 

N We hereby dedicate thee, by solemn 

prayer and supplication, laying our hand upon thee 
[here the minister may lay his hand upon the head of the child] 
in imitation of the blessed Jesus ; in his name, de- 
claring thee blessed, and an heir of the kingdom of 
God. The Lord bless thee, and keep thee : the 
Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gra- 
cious unto thee : the Lord lift up his countenance 
upon thee, and give thee peace." 

The minister then, returning the child to the parents, may con- 
clude the service as follows, saying : — 



iUR Father who art in heaven, &c. [The whole of 



^ the Lord's Prayer may here be said, the people audibly re- 
peating the same with the minister, who may then further add :] 
O Lord, our heavenly Father, may the offering we 
have now made unto thee, in the dedication of this 
child, be acceptable in thy sight. Crown, we be- 
seech thee, our imperfect devotions with thy heaven- 
ly benediction, and grant that these parents, and this 
child may be sanctified by thy grace, and received 
as thine own children by adoption : and may we all 
be a people to thy praise and glory, through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen. 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love 
of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost be 
with you all evermore. Amen. 



Let us pray 




132 



TTNIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



SUNDAY SCHOOLS. 

Instruction and Advice for a Sunday School. 

Little Childrex : The great business of your 
early years, should be to receive instruction, and to 
gain useful information. For this purpose your pa- 
rents, or those who have the care of you, send you 
to this Sunday School ; and for this important ob- 
ject the instructers in this school willingly devote 
the necessary time and attention ; desiring no other 
compensation than the satisfaction of seeing, and of 
aiding your advancement in knowledge, and in good- 
ness. In the common week-day schools, which you 
all probably attend, you receive instruction in sev- 
eral branches of education ; the advantao^e of w^hich, 
if your lives shall be preserved, and you grow up to 
maturity, you will be very sensible of, much more so 
than you can be at present. In those schools, there- 
fore, you should be diligent in your studies, obedi- 
ent to your teacher, and anxious to deserve the 
character of good scholars and good children. But 
in Sunday Schools, as they are now generally con- 
ducted, the chief design is to instruct children in the 
principles and practice of virtue and religion. To 
teach them to remember their Creator in the days of 
their youth : to love him supremely, as their great 
and good Father, and their almighty and unchan- 
ging Friend ; to keep his commandments ; to worship 
him, and live in obedience to his will. To instruct 
them, also, in the various duties which especially 
relate to themselves, as humility, industry, temper- 
ance, truth, and the due government of their pas- 
sions : and in those duties likewise, which they ow^e 
to their family, relatives, and connexions, and all 
with whom they may associate or have intercourse. 

Little children, do you remember the Ten Com- 



SUNDAY SCHOOLS, 



133 



mandments which God gave to his ancient people, 
the Jews, and which, we are told, were written on 
two tables of stone? I trust you do remember 
them, and some of you may have committed them to 
memory, so that if desired, you could repeat them. 
But I want to ask you, if you remember which of 
the ten commandm.ents is said to be the first com- 
mandment with promise ?" If you do not remem- 
ber I will tell you ; it is the fifth commandment. 
But it was the first one on the second table, and it 
has a special promise annexed to it. St. Paul has 
quoted it, as you may read in the sixth chapter of 
his Epistle to the Ephesians, first three verses, where 
he says : " Children obey your parents in the Lord, 
for this is right. Honour thy father and mother, 
(which is the first commandment with promise,) that 
it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long 
on the earth." 

This command, especially, little children, you 
should never forget, and never violate. Duty, in- 
terest, and gratitude, all unite to bind its observance 
upon you, and to urge you to its constant fulfilment. 
Your paren.ts love you exceedingly; and they un- 
dergo m.any labours and hardships, and are subjected 
to many cares, and to much anxiety on your ac- 
count. If you are sick, or in any trouble or danger, 
they grieve and lament, and deprive themselves of 
rest for your sakes ; they watch over you with the 
tenderest affection, and they earnestly desire and 
long for your happiness and prosperity. And shall 
their great kindness be disregarded, and unrewarded 
by their offspring, the children whom God hath giv- 
en them 1 We hope not. Will you not rather love 
and honour them according to the command of your 
Maker, and your heavenly Father ? Will you not 
endeavour to lighten their cares and their anxiety, and 
by your ready obedience, and vour fond and grateful 
'12 



134 



UMVERS.ILIST 3U^'UAL. 



attentions, fill their hearts with joy and gladness? 
If you are good children you certainly will ; and 
this is what we truly hope of you. 

To your brothers and sisters, if you have any, and 
to your schoolmates, and all with whom you associ- 
ate, you should always show yourselves kind, affec- 
tionate, and obliging. You must not indulge angry 
feelings, nor evil wishes toward any one : nor speak 
bad words, nor be eager to tell of the faults of oth- 
ers, nor ever say what you know is not true, in or- 
der to conceal or excuse your own faults. Esps- 
cially you should be careful never to mention the 
holy name of God lightly, in your amusements or 
play, for this is very wicked, and none but naughty 
children do so ; and good children will not choose 
such for their associates, but will shun their compa- 
ny, because they are so wicked. 

We hope, and all your teachers here hope, that 
all of you who attend this Sunday School to receive 
instruction, will be good children ; that you will be 
dilio^ent in your studies ; increase in knowledge and 
understandinof, and grow wiser and better every 
week and every day ; because this is the way to be 
happy yourselves, and to be a comfort and joy to 
your parents and friends. And whether your lives 
shall be longer or shorter, it is the best way to pros- 
perity, contentment, and usefulness. 

When you go to the house or place of public wor- 
ship, which we hope you are glad to do as often as 
you have opportunity, your should remember that 

holiness becometh God's house for. ever ^ You 
must not be whispering to those that sit near you, 
nor be looking round on the congregation; but be 
serious, and attentive to the services ; unite silently 
in your hearts, in the prayers and praises that are 
offered up to our heavenly Father : and listen care- 
fully to the word of God, as read and explained 



SUNDAY SCHOOLS. 



135 



by the minister; that you may be instructed and 
edified. 

When at home, especially on Sundays, you should 
often read the Bible, and such other good books as 
will tend to store your minds with useful knowledge ; 
and you should often pray earnestly to God to give 
you grace, that you may know and do his holy will, 
and may glorify him in your bodies, and in your 
spirits which are his. You should constantly re- 
member that God is always present with you, wher- 
ever you are, and whatever you do. The apostle 
says of God, that He is not far from every one of 
us : for in him we live, and move, and have our be- 
ing — and we are also his offspring." You should 
therefore delight to think upon God as your great 
and good Creator, and your heavenly Father ; who 
continually watches over you in love and tender 
compassion, who is the giver of all the good things you 
enjoy in this world : who is now, and always will be, 
your greatest and best Friend : who so loved you 
and all the human race, that he gave his only be- 
gotten Son, the chosen Messiah, to suffer and die 
for them, and who also raised him from the dead, that 
through him we might all be saved from sin, raised 
from the grave, and be made holy and happy for ever 
in another world. Thus the Scriptures say : The 
Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world 
" For God sent not his Son into the world to con- 
demn the world, but that the world through him 
might be saved." 

Little children, I fear I shall detain you too long, 
in talking to you at this time ; but I wish to repeat 
to you one more passage of Scripture, and I want 
you to read it often yourselves, and meditate upon 
it. It is in the 1st Epistle of John, 4th chapter, 
from the 7th to the 12th verse. They are the words 
of the beloved apostle St. John; the disciple of 



126 



UNIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



whom it is said that, at supper, he leaned on the 
breast of Jesus ; and he was called the disciple 
whom Jesus loved." He says in the place I have 
mentioned, Beloved, let us love one another ; for 
love is of God ; and every one that loveth, is born 
of God and knoweth God. He that loveth not, 
knoweth not God ; for GOD IS LOVE." In this 
was manifested the love of God toward us, because 
that God sent his only-begotten Son into the world, 
that we might live through him. Herein is love, 
not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent 
his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, 
if God so loved us, we ought also to love one 
another." 

What excellent advice is here given by this be- 
loved disciple, and how happy would it be if all, 
both young and old would follow it. And then, only 
think what he states as the foundation of his advice 
and exhortation ! It is the great love of our heav- 
enly Father for us, and for all mankind, manifested in 
sending his only begotten Son into the world, that 
we might live through him; and he sums up the 
whole subject in a declaration which I hope you 
will always keep in mind as the most glorious truth 
that ever was uttered— GOD IS LOVE. 

But, dear children, I must stop : yet before leaving 
you at this time, I will request you to unite with me, 
a few moments, in devout prayer and thankssfiving 
to our Almighty Creator, and most merciful Father 
in heaven. I shall begin Vv^ith what is called the 
Lord'^s Prayer, [and I shall be glad if all present 
who have that prayer committed to memory, will 
repeat it audibly with me.*l 



*This is merely suggested. 



SUNDAY SCHOOLS. 



137 



Let us pray. 



|UR Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be 



thy name : thy kingdom come : thy will be 
done on earth, as it is in heaven : give us this 
day our daily bread ; and forgive us our trespasses, 
as we forgive those who trespass against us ; and 
lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil ; 
for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the 
glory, for ever and ever. Amen. 

Almighty and most merciful God ; we adore thee 
as the author of our being, the preserver of our 
lives, and the giver of all the good things we enjoy. 
We thank and praise thee for all thy past favours, 
and for all our present enjoyments ; and we hope 
in thee for our future existence and well-being, in 
time and eternity. We rejoice that we are the sub- 
jects of thy wise and gracious government, and the 
children of thy constant affection and care. Bless 
the Lord, O our souls, and all that is within us bless 
his holy name ! 

We pray, O Lord, that the children in this school 
may always be in thy holy keeping. May they be 
preserved from the evils that are in the world, and 
from the many dangers to which they are exposed ; 
and as they love life, and desire to see good days, 
may they, as thy word directs, refrain their tongues 
from evil, and their lips that they speak no guile : 
may they eschew evil, and do good ; may they seek 
peace and ensue it. May they always remember 
that the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, 
and his ears open unto their prayers ; but that the 
face of the Lord is against them that do evil. May 
they, therefore, sanctify the Lord God in their 
hearts ; so that, as they advance in age, and in 
knowledge, they may be ready always to give an 
answer to every one that asketh them a reason of 
the hope that is in them, with meekness and fear. 




12* 



138 



UNIYERSALIST MANUAL. 



And we pray thee, Heavenly Father, to bless the 
parents and guardians of these children. May they 
give them good instructions, and good examples, 
and bring them up in the nurture and admonition of 
the Lord ; and may they be the blessed of the Lord, 
and their children with them. 

And we devoutly beseech thee, O Lord, to bless 
the Listructers in this school. May they not be 
weary in this branch of well-domg, and may they 
experience an ample reward, for their care and dili- 
gence here bestowed, in the affection and gratitude 
of these children, and in the improvement they shall 
make in knowledge, and in all goodness. 

Bless us all, O our God and Father, as we sever- 
ally need : guide us in the way of truth and peace : 
prepare us for every event of thy providence ; and 
save us all, with an everlasting salvation, through 
Jesus Christ, our most blessed Lord and Saviour. 

Amen. 

Prayer for a Sunday School. 

A LMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, we thank 
thee for another return of the Christian Sabbath, 
and for the opportunity of meeting together for reli- 
gious devotion, and for useful instruction. May we 
be truly grateful for the blessings and privileges we 
enjoy, and may we wisely and diligently improve 
them to thy glory, and our own best interest and 
happiness. 

Thou, O Lord, didst promise thy people of old, 
that "all their children should be taug^ht of God, and 
that great should be the peace of their children." 
We now earnestly implore thy blessing upon this 
school. Give to the instructers the spirit of kind- 
ness, tenderness, patience, diligence, and sincere 
piety; that they may teach, and impress upon the 
minds of these children the principles of virtue and 



SUNDAY SCHOOLS. 



139 



pure religion. And give the children, we pray thee, 
an earnest desire to profit by the pains that are 
taken for their spiritual improvement. Bless them 
according to their various circumstances. If any 
of them have been bereaved of their parents, wilt 
thou be their ever-present and all-compassionate 
Father; and may a mild and merciful providence 
watch over them. If any of them are unhappily 
accustomed, or disposed to be wicked, do thou re- 
claim them, and cause them to imbibe virtuous and 
upright principles, and to walk in thy ccnmiand- 
ments. Engage them, O Lord, early to love and 
serve thee, and to esteem thee as their best Friend, 
and their only sufficient help in time of need. May 
they also be kindly affectioned one to another ; and 
may they constantly remember, and endeavour to 
imitate the holy child Jesus, who was holy, harm- 
less, undefiled, and separate from sinners; and who 
inviteth the ignorant and the burdened to learn of him, 
that they may find rest to their souls. May they 
love and study his precious gospel ; be baptized into 
his blessed spirit and temper, and copy his amiable 
and spotless example. 

May they, O heavenly Father, carefully avoid 
whatever is ofl'ensive in thy sight; all wicked words 
and actions : whatever is profane or immodest in 
language : whatever is unkind or revengeful in tem- 
per ; and whatever is deceitful and injurious in prac- 
tice. Protect them, O God, from vicious compan- 
ions, and evil examples : preserve them from dan- 
ger ; save them from sin ; and guide them in the 
way of truth and peace. 

Bless, O Lord, the several families, to which these 
children belong, Vvdth all things needful for life and 
godliness. And be graciously pleased to bless us 
all as we respectively need. Assist us in the public 
religious services of this day. May we be serious, 



140 



r M V E R S A L I S T MA XT AL . 



attentive, and piously devout. Be ^nth us through 
all the duties and the dangers: through all the joys, 
and all the sorrows of this mortal life ; and finally 
receive us with all our ransomed race, purified and 
made holy, to thy everlastinsf kingdom of rest and 
blessedness, through Jesus Christ our Redeemer. 

Am EX. 

Another Prayer for Su?iday Schools- 
"^yHEREATITH shall we come before the Lord, 
and bow ourselves before the high God? 
What sacrifice shall we otter unto him, and what ser- 
vice will he approve ? Thou hast showed us, O 
Lord, wliat is good, and what thou requirest of us: 
even to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk 
humbly with our God. The sacrifice of praise, 
also, the fruit of cur lips, giving thanks to his name, 
is an acceptable oiteringf to the Father of mercies; 
who is contiaually helping us, and pourinof his ben- 
eiirs upon us. We rejoice that we are the creatures 
of so ureat, and so good a Creator; and the children 
of so compassionate, and so bountiful a Father. We 
rejoice exceedinsfly, O God, in the assurance that 
thy presence is always with us wherever we are: 
that thy tender mercies are over all thy works, and 
that we cannot 2:0 where universal love smiles not 
around. Bless the Lord, O our souls, and all that 
is v/ithin us bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, 
O our souls, and forget not all his benefits. 

We would bless the name of the Lord for all our 
temporal enjoyments: for bodily health; for food 
and clothing : for relatives and friends ; for the 
pleasures of social intercourse, and the endearments 
of mutual affection and friendship: for the establish- 
ment among us of schools of learning, for instruc- 
tion in knowledge, and improvement in morality, 
virtue and piety. We adore thy goodness, O heav- 



SUNDAY SCHOOLS. 



141 



enly Father, for the divinely inspired teachings of 
the Holy Scriptures, which were written for our 
learning-, and which are able to make us vvise unto 
salvation. Especially we thank thee, O Father, lor 
the inestimable favour of the Christian revelation, 
which publishes and proclaims good tidings of great 
joy, which shall be to all people : which so fully in- 
structs us concerning our duty, and also our high 
destiny, through the tender mercy of our God, 
whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us. 
Help us, O Lord, to reverence and obey the holy 
teachings of the blessed gospel of thy Son, and to 
lay hold of the heavenly hope which it sets before 
us, as the sure and steadfast anchor of the soul. 

Bless, O heavenly parent, we beseech thee, all the 
children and youth in this school. May they be 
teachable, and attentive to the instructions here 
given them ; that as they advance in age, they may 
also improve in knovvdedge and goodness, and like 
the child Jesus, increase in wisdom, as well as in 
stature, and in favour w ith God and man. As they 
grow up to mature years — if such be thy pleasure 
concerning them — and engage in the active business 
of life, may they conduct themselves so discreetly 
in their callings, and in the stations in which they 
may be placed, that they may be a blessing and a 
joy, not only to their parents and family connexions, 
but also to the community in which they may be sit- 
uated, and the generation in which they live. 

And now, O Lord our God, we would humbly 
offer and commend these children, together with 
ourselves, yea, the whole world, every individual of 
the human family, wdih all their concerns and in- 
terests, to thy vvise and gracious direction, and to 
thy most benevolent governance, who orderest all 
things after the counsel of thine ow^i Avill ; earnestly 
praying that when our earthly house of this taber- 



ITNIVERSALTST MANUAL. 



nacle shall fail and be dissolved, we may sleep in 
Jesus ; and finally, with the whole creation now^ 
subject to vanity, be delivered from the bondage of 
corruption, and have our perfect consummation in 
bliss and glory, to celebrate thy most worthy praise, 
in a day without night, and world without end. 



LMIGHTY and everlasting God, whose power 



and providence sustain and govern all things : 
on whose bounty all beings are constantly depend- 
ant, and whom all created intelligences are bound 
to love, honour and obey. 

^Ye desire, O Lord, that our minds may be sol- 
emnly impressed with a sense of thy Almighty 
power, thine infinite goodness, and thy manifold and 
great mercies. Weak, unworthy, and dependant as 
we are, we rejoice in the assurance that we are the 
ofi^spring of an all-wise, and benevolent Parent, who 
will never forsake, nor cease to regard with favour, 
his needy children. Vie would humble ourselves 
before thee, this morning, O heavenly Father, in the 
penitent confession of our sins, and our manifold 
transgressions of thy righteous laws. We would 
acknowledge before thee, with sincere contrition of 
heart, that we have strayed from thy ways like lost 
sheep. We have wandered from the fold, and from 
the pasture of the good Shepherd and Bishop of our 
souls, and have involved ourselves in misery and 
want. To whom, in our necessity and distress, can 
we flee for refuge, deliverance, and succour, but unto 
thee, O Lord, from whom we have deeply revolted ? 



Amen. 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 



A Family Prayer for the Morning. 




FAMILY PRAYERS. 



143 



Have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us, misera- 
ble offenders. Heal our backslidings, and love us 
freely. Restore to us the joys of thy salvation, and 
uphold us with thy free spirit. Strengthen us by 
thy grace, with might in the inner man, that in future 
we may cleave unto thee with full purpose of heart : 
that we may walk in thy ways, and keep thy com- 
mandments, all the days of our life. 

Continue unto us, O Lord, we beseech thee, the 
tokens of thy favour and loving-kindness. Help 
our infirmities ; increase our desires and confirm our 
resolutions of amendment and obedience; that we 
may grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our 
Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ ; and may it become, 
more and more our delight, and be even our meat 
and drink, to do the will of our heavenly Father. 

Be our guide, O Lord, we pray thee, in all the 
changeful scenes of life : in prosperity, and in ad- 
versity ; in health, and in sickness. Make us grate- 
ful for all our enjoyments, patient in affliction, con- 
tented with our lot, and resigned in all things. 
Guide us with thy counsel, and afterward receive us 
to glory. 

We implore thy blessing upon all our relatives, 
friends and neighbours. RcAvard our benefactors ; 
pity, and bless our enemies, if such we have, and 
teach us to forgive them, as we hope for thy com- 
passion for ourselves. Be gracious, O Lord, to all 
who are in distress and trouble : the needy, the op- 
pressed, and the desolate, whoever, and wherever 
they may be : visit them with thy tender mercies, 
and thy heavenly consolations. 

We would extend our supplications, O heavenly 
Father, in behalf of all our fellow-creatures through- 
out the world ; earnestly praying for the universal 
diffusion of the light of the gospel ; that the pure 
and peaceable religion of Christ may prevail, more 



144. 



UXIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



and more, and be everywhere established ; to the 
joy of the whole earth, and to the glory and praise 
of thy holy name. 

With our prayers Vv^e would offer inito thee, O 
Lord, our humble and hearty thanks for all the man- 
ifestations of thy goodness. For life, and for all 
its enjoyments ; for thy preservation of us, and for 
the constant care and kindness with which thou hast 
v/atched over us, and supplied our numerous and 
still returning wants. Especially we thank thee for 
thy guardian protection through the watches of the 
past night, and for bringing us in safety to the be- 
ginning of this day. Defend us, O Lord, through 
the same, by thy mighty power, from all mischiefs 
and dangers, and have us in thy holy keeping, both 
now, and evermore ; through Jesus Christ, our Sa- 
viour, in whose name, and according to whose di- 
rection, we would unitedly say, in closing our morn- 
ing devotion. Our Father, who art in heaven, &c. 

N. B. In all family prayers it is considered very proper, either 
to begin or close with the Lord^s Prayer ; and which all the 
members of the family may unitedly and solemnly repeat. 



GOD, our heavenly Father, who makest the 



outgoings of the morning, and the returns of the 
evening to praise thee, and to declare thy power and 
goodness. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night 
unto night showeth knowledge. Thou governest 
the varying seasons in infinite wisdom and benev- 
olence : thyself alone being without variableness, 
or shadow of turning : the Father of lights, from 
whom Cometh down every good and perfect gift. 

We would devoutly reverence and adore thee as 
the only, ever-living and true God ; and we would 
call upon our souls to rejoice with sincere gratitude 



Family Prayer, for Evening. 




FAMILY PRAYERS. 



145 



and holy joy, that we are the creatures of thy crea- 
ting hand, and the subjects of thy wise and gracious 
government. We rejoice that thou art always pres- 
ent with us ; that thou art about our path, and about 
our bed, and knowest all our ways, all our dangers, 
and all our wants. 

We thank thee, heavenly Father, that thou hast 
added another day to our short lives upon earth, and 
hast brought us to the close of the same in the en- 
joyment of health, and of so many blessings and 
comforts. What shall we render unto the Lord for 
all his benefits ! We will take the cup of salvation, 
and will call upon the name of the Lord. 

Nor do we less need thy protection, O Lord our 
God: thy guidance and support, for the time to 
come ; for thou art our hope, and our only sufficient 
portion in the land of the living : yea, in time and 
eternity. Make us, we pray thee, truly sensible of 
our continual dependance on thy care and bounty. 
Thy favour is life ; and thy loving-kindness is better 
than life. May we realize that without these, how- 
ever we may imagine that we are " rich and increased 
with goods, and have need of nothing," we are 
wretched and miserable, and poor, and blind, and 
naked. Grant, O Lord, that by adhering to thy 
counsel, we may become possessed of gold tried in the 
fire, that we may be rich ; and that with the white 
raiment of gospel purity, we may be clothed ; and 
that the eyes of our mind being anointed with the 
eye-salve of heavenly illumination, we may see, and 
distinctly understand the things which belong to our 
peace, and our true happiness. O send forth unto 
us, in still increasing measure and influence, thy 
light and thy truth, that they may lead us, and direct 
our goings in the right way : the path of duty, and 
the path of peace. 

We pray for thy blessing, O Lord, upon the land 
13 



146 



UNIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



in which we live. May a merciful providence pre- 
side over the interests of our country ; preserving 
us, as a people, from the calamities of war, from in- 
jurious divisions and commotions, and from wasting 
diseases. Continue, we pray thee, to give us richly 
all things to enjoy; and teach us gratefully to ac- 
knowledge and adore our bountiful Benefactor. 
Preserve unto us, O Lord, our civil and religious 
privileofes. Bless our rulers and magistrates of ev- 
ery grade. " Direct them in all their counsels and 
measures ; that under the protection of wholesome 
laws, and the administration of equal justice, we 
may lead a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness 
and honesty," to the fflory of thy holy name. 

Be gracious, O heavenly Father, to the poor and 
needy, to bereaved widows and orphans, and to all 
who are in circumstances of want or distress. Let 
thy merciful kindness be extended to them, suited to 
their various necessities, and according to thine infi- 
nite wisdom and goodness. 

We now desire to commit and commend ourselves, 
O Lord, to thy fatherly care and protection this 
night. May no evils or disturbances invade our 
dwelling, or prevent our quiet repose. May our 
sleep be sweet and refreshing. May we be pre- 
served through the hours of darkness : be brought 
in safety to the light of another day, and arise with 
renewed viofour of body and mind, to fulfil the duties 
which may be required of us. 

And we beseech thee, O Lord, to guide and gov- 
ern us through the whole of our future lives upon 
earth ; and may our end be peace. And finally, of 
thine infinite mercy and grace, receive us, with the 
whole redeemed family of mankind, purified from 
sin, and delivered from the bondage of corruption, 
to a state of perfect rest, and immortal blessedness 
in thy heavealy kingdom ; to glorify thee, and praise 



/ 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 



HI 



thy hallowed name for evermore ; through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen. 



LMIGHTY and everlasting God, in whom we 



live, and move, and have our being ; we, thy 
needy creatures, render thee our humble praises, for 
thy care of us, and for thy goodness to us, from the 
beginning of our lives till now, and especially for 
our preservation through the past night. To thy 
watchful providence, O, Lord, we owe it that we 
have been kept in safety, and brought to see the light 
of another day. For these thy continued mercies, 
we would call upon our souls to bless the Lord, and 
magnify his holy name. And we humbly beseech 
thee to accept this our morning sacrifice of praise 
and thanksgiving, which we offer unto thee in the 
name and mediation of that blessed Redeemer, who 
died for our sins, and rose again for our justification ; 
thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. 

And, since of thy mercy, O gracious Father, an- 
other day is added to our lives ; we would here ded- 
icate both our souls and our bodies to thee, and to 
thy service, as our most reasonable and bounden 
duty. In which disposition of obedience, and de- 
votion to thy holy will, do thou, O, merciful God, 
confirm and strengthen us ; so that as we advance 
in life, and our days and years are increased, we 
may also grow in grace, and increase in all good 
works and holy living ; to the promotion of our own 
happiness and usefulness, and to the glory of thy 
holy name. 

But, O God, who knowest our frailty, and the many 
temptations which daily encompass us, we humbly 
beseech thee to have compassion on our infirmities, 
and to grant us constantly, the preserving and sus- 
taining influences of thy grace and good spirit ; that 



Another Family Prayer, for Morning. 




148 



tJNIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



we may be effectually restrained from sin and ex- 
cited to our duty, and may serve thee in holiness and 
righteousness all the days of our life. 

In particular, we implore thy grace and protec- 
tion for the ensuing day. May a merciful provi- 
dence preside over us, and thy grace be sufficient 
for us. Keep us temperate in our meats and drinks ; 
thankful for all our enjoyments, and resigned to all 
thy dispensations. Grant us patience under any 
afflictions thou shalt see cause to lay upon us ; and un- 
feigned submission, when exercised by thy fatherly 
correction. Give us grace faithfully to fulfil the 
duties we owe both to thee and to our fellow-men ; 
to be just and upright in all our dealings with others ; 
quiet and peaceable ; full of compassion and kind- 
ness ; ready, as we may have opportunity and abil- 
ity, to do good unto all men, and especially to succour 
and befriend the needy and desolate. Direct us in all 
our ways, [and let thy Holy Spirit accompany us 

The lines in place of thy public worship, ma- 

brackets to be l^ii^g us serious, attentive, and fervently 
said only on devout : raising our minds to heavenly 
Sunday morn- contemplations ; sanctifying our affec- 
^"c^- tions ; and exciting us to pursue, with 

renewed vigour, the hope of our high and holy calling 
in Christ Jesus]. Defend and support us in all dangers 
and adversities ; and be graciously pleased to have 
us and all our interests in thy fatherly care and pro- 
tection. And to thy name be ascribed all honours 
glory and praise, world without end. Amen. 

Family Prayer, for Evening. 

J^/JOST merciful God, who art of purer eyes than 
to behold iniquity, and who hast promised for- 
giveness to all those who confess and forsake 
their sins — We come before thee in an humble sense 
of our ov/n unworthiness ; acknowledging our mani- 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 



149 



fold transgressions of thy righteous laws. But 
O gracious Father, who art full of compassion, 
and of tender mercy, look upon us in the greatness 
of thy pity and loving kindness ; take away all our 
iniquities, and receive us graciously. Give us that 
godly sorrow which worketh repentance to salva- 
tion, not to be repented of, because it leads to a 
deliverance from the bondage of sin. May we be 
deeply impressed with the truth, that there is no 
peace to the wicked, and that the way of transgres- 
sors is hard ; and may we learn of Christ and follow 
him, whose yoke is easy, and whose burden is light, 
that we may find rest to our souls. 

And we beseech thee, O heavenly Father, to grant 
us the sanctifying influences of thy grace and Holy 
Spirit, to cleanse our hearts and affections from all 
impurity. Purge them from envy, hatred, and mal- 
ice ; that we may never let the sun go down upon 
our wrath, but may always go to our rest in peace, 
charity, and good will, with a conscience void of 
offence toward thee and toward all men. 

And accept, O Lord, our intercessions for all man- 
kind. Let the light of thy gospel be made to shine 
upon all nations; giving them to see the light of the 
knowledge of the glory of God, in the face of Jesus 
Christ. Bless and prosper the Christian church, 
and cause it to be established in its purity among all 
nations ; that all may be brought to know the great- 
ness of thy love, as manifested in and by thy Son, 
their gracious Redeemer, whom thou hast sent to 
be the Saviour of the world. Bless all who are in 
stations of civil authority^ as well as all those who 
are called and set apart to minister in holy things ; 
and grant that each of them in their respective voca- 
tions, may study and labour and promote peace and 
happiness, truth and justice, and pure religion and 
piety among all people. 

13* 



150 



UNIVERSALIST MAXUAL. 



Send down thy blessings, Heavenly Father, upon 
all our relatives, friends, and neighbours. Reward 
all who have done us good, and pardon all those who 
have done, or w^ho may wish us evil, and give them 
repentance, and a better disposition. Be merciful to 
all who are ia trouble or sorrow, want or sickness, 
or any other adversity ; and do thou, the God of 
pity, administer to them according to their various 
necessities, and thine abundant mercy and grace, in 
Jesus Christ thy Son, our Saviour. 

To our prayers, O Lord, we join our unfeigned 
thanks for all thy mercies : for our being, our rea- 
son, and all other endowments and faculties of soul 
and body : for our health, friends, food and raiment, 
and for all other comforts and enjoyments of life. 
Above all we adore thy mercy in sending thine only 
Son into the world, to save us from sin and death, 
and to exalt us to holiness and life everlasting. We 
thank thee for the continued tokens of thy favour 
and goodness, notwithstanding our many provoca- 
tions, and our great unworthiness. We bless thee 
for thy constant care, and watchful providence over 
us through the whole course of our lives ; and par- 
ticularly for the mercies and benefits of the past day: 
beseeching thee to continue these thy blessings to 
us, and all others which thoa shaft see needful for 
us ; and to thy name be the praise and glory for ever. 

Continue, we pray thee, O Lord, thy gracious pro- 
tection to us this night. Defend us from all evils 
and dangers, that we may enjoy such refreshing rest 
as may fit us for the duties of the following day. 
Prepare us to live, and to die ; and living and dying 
may we be tliine. thine, O Lord, for ever; through 
Jesus Christ our Redeemer. Amen. 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 



151 



Prayers for the Use of Little Children. 
r\ GOD, my Maker and my heavenly Father ; al- 
though I cannot see thee with my bodily eyes, 
yet I have been taught that thou always seest me, 
and art always near to me wherever I be ; and that 
thou art the giver of all the good things I enjoy. 
May I love thee, because thou art good, and may I 
keep thy commandments, because that will please 
thee. Keep me, O Lord, from all evil thoughts and 
desires, from all bad actions, and from all wicked 
ways. Help me every day to grow wiser and bet- 
ter. May I love my parents, and all my relations, 
and may I love everybody, because thou lovest all 
mankind ; and because they are thy creatures, and 
thou doest good to them all, although many of them 
are very wicked. May I love to read the Bible, 
which is thy holy word ; because that tells of thy 
greatness, and of thy almighty power ; and also of 
thy great mercy and goodness, which are over all 
thy works ; and will always be the same, and never 
come to an end. Bless my dear parents, and all 
my friends ; and if I have any enemies, bless them 
also, and help me to pity and forgive them, as thou 
hast commanded ; and because thy Son Jesus Christ, 
our blessed Redeemer, forgave his enemies and 
prayed for them. Bless all poor people, and all that 
are sick, or in trouble or pain. Bless all little chil- 
dren, and especially such as have no father, or no 
mother to take care of them. And I pray thee, O 
my heavenly Father, to bless everybody, wherever 
they live, all over the world. May those who are 
wicked become good people, and no more do wick- 
edly ; but may they love Thee, because thou art 
their great and good Creator, and their best Friend. 
And may they all love one another as brothers and 
sisters, because thou, O God, art the Father of them 
all, and art good and kind to them all ; and because 



152 



UXR'ERSALIST MAXUAL. 



thou hast prepared a heaven of happiness for them 
all in another world ; where there will be no wick- 
edness, and no pain, nor trouble, where they will 
never be sick, and will never die any more, but will 
live in peace and love, and sing praises to their Cre- 
ator and tlieir Redeemer for ever and ever. Amen. 

A Pray 67- to be said hj a little Child on going to Bed. 
Q GOD, my heavenly Father, I thank thee for all 
the good things I have enjoyed ever since I was 
born ; and in particular for my preservation through 
the day that is now past and gone. I thank thee 
for my health, and my friends, for food and clothing, 
and for all other blessings. 

And now I pray thee, O Lord, to preserve me this 
night from all dangers, and from all evil. May I 
have sweet sleep, and rest in peace; and may I be 
brought in safety to another day. May I always 
remember thy great goodness to me ; may I love 
thee with all my heart, and diligently keep thy com- 
mandments. May I delight to think of thee as my 
heavenly Father, and to praise thy name as long as 
I live. And when my days in this world shall all 
be spent, may I be received into that heaven of hap- 
piness which thou hast prepared for all thy children. 
I offer these my prayers and my thanks to thee, O 
merciful God, in the name of thy beloved Son Jesus 
Christ, who suffered and died to redeem and save me 
and all mankind. Amex. 

A Prayer to he said by a little CJuld on aicahng in the Morning. 
npHANKS be to thy holy name, O Lord my God, 
for keeping me in safety through another night: 
for giving me quiet and refreshing sleep, and for 
bringing me in safety to the light of this day. May I 
always remember that both day and night, and wheth- 
er I am asleep or awake, thou, O Lord, alone art 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 



153 



my keeper and preserver. May I love thee, because 
thou art so good and kind to me, and may I always 
trust in thee, and not be afraid. 

I pray thee, O heavenly Father, to keep me this 
day from sinning against thee, and from doing any 
thing that is wrong. Keep me from being proud, 
and from being angry or fretful ; keep me from 
speaking bad words, and from behaving amiss to 
any one. Help me to love my parents, and to mind 
all they say to me, and to be good-natured and lov- 
ing to everybody. 

May I be diligent in learning, and may I increase 
in knowledge and in goodness every day. Protect 
and guide me, O Lord, through all the remaining 
days and nights of my life in this world ; and re- 
ceive me at last into thy heavenly kingdom; through 
Jesus Christ, my blessed Redeemer and Saviour. 

Amen. 

Prayer to he used with a sick Person. 

A LMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father ; we de- 
sire at all times, and in all circumstances of life, 
to realize our dependance on thee, and to hope and 
trust in thy mercy and goodness. We adore thee 
as the author of our existence, and the source o£ 
all our enjoyments. Thy continual presence with 
us is the pledge of our safety, whatever seeming 
evils and dangers may encompass us. We pray, 
therefore, O Lord our God, that in all thy dealings 
with us, and under all the dispensations of thy prov- 
idence, we may have the disposition to say, with thy 
servant of old, "It is the Lord, let him do what 
seemeth to him good and that we may rest in the 
assurance that goodness and mercy will follow us 
all the days of our life, and that thy loving-kindness 
shall not be utterly taken from us, nor thy faithful- 
ness fail. 



15^ 



tJNIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



In thy wisdom, O Lord, thou hast been pleased to 
lay thy chastening hand upon this thy servant, our 
brother, [or sister] and to bring down his bodily 
strength by sickness and distress. Give him, we 
pray thee, composure and fortitude of mind, and 
patient resignation to thy disposal. If it be consist- 
ent with thy good pleasure, we pray that his pres- 
ent sickness may not be unto death, but that he may 
be healed of his disease, and in due time be restored 
again to health and soundness, with a lively and 
grateful sense of thy fatherly kindness, and with 
new resolutions of obedience to thy will, and of de- 
votion to thy service and glory. 

But as man knoweth not his time, and the number 
of his days is only with thee ; we pray, O Lord, 
that if the event of this sickness should be the ter- 
mination of this our hrother^s earthly existence, he 
may be enabled to meet his great change with Chris- 
tian resignation, and with full confidence in thy all- 
sufficient and never-failing mercy and grace. 

And bless, we beseech thee, O heavenly Father, 
the family and relatives of this our sick brother. 
Sanctify to them this and all other dispensations of 
thy providence, with which they are, or may be vis- 
ited : make all things work together for their good ; 
and have them always in thy holy keeping. Guide 
us all, by the unerring counsels of thy wisdom and 
love, through the changing scenes of our mortal ex- 
istence : and finally, receive us to thyself, to a state 
of perfect rest and blessedness, in thy heavenly 
kingdom ; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 

A Prayer to he used with a Family in Affliction. 
^LMIGHTY Parent of the universe, who accord- 
ing to thine own unsearchable counsels, dost 
govern all things in infinite wisdom and benevo- 
lence. We rejoice in the assurance that while right- 



FAMILY PRAYERS. 



155 



eousness and judgment are the habitation of thy 
throne, mercy and truth shall go before thy face. 
Thy mercies are new to us every morning, and are 
repeated every moment : great is thy faithfulness. 
Though our strength and our heart should fail us, 
thou, O Lord, will be the strength of our heart, and 
our portion for ever. In thy word, thou hast direct- 
ed us to call upon thee in the day of trouble, and 
hast promised that thou wilt hear and deliver iis, and 
that we shall glorify thee; for though the Lord 
causeth grief, yet will he have compassion, accord- 
ing to the multitude of his mercies. In any troubles 
or afflictions, therefore, with which we may be ex- 
ercised, may we not be greatly dejected or cast 
down, but still hope in God, for we shall yet praise 
him, who is the health of our countenance, and our 
God. May we not despise the chastening of the 
Lord, nor faint when we are rebuked of him ; but 
may we be sustained by the consideration, that 
whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and that if we 
endure chastening, God dealeth with us as with 
sons. And though for the present no chastening is 
joyous, but grievous, yet we pray that afterward it 
may yield for us the peaceable fruits of righteousness. 

We offer our supplications to thee, O Lord, at this 
time, especially in behalf of this afflicted family. In 
thy wise dispensations, they have been called to 
grief and mourning, and to drink of the cup of 
sorrow and trembling. May they remember that it 
has been mingled by the hand of their heavenly Fa- 
ther, who intends it for their healing, and to do them 
good like a medicine. All things are possible to 
thee, O Lord, and if consistent with thy wisdom 
and thy good pleasure, we pray that this cup may 
pass from them ; nevertheless, not our will but 
thine be done. Fortify their minds we pray thee, 
with a holy and steadfast trust and confidence in 



156 



rXIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



thy loving-kindness and tender mercies : give them 
patience under their sufferinofs, and in due time, a 
happy issue out of all their alHictions. 

And, O God, whose days are without end, and 
whose mercies cannot be numbered, make us all, 
we beseech thee, deeply sensible of the shortness 
and uncertainty of human life ; and let thy Holy 
Spirit lead us through this vale of misery, in holi- 
ness and righteousness all the days of our lives : 
that when we shall have served thee in our genera- 
tion, we may be gathered unto our fathers, having 
the testimony of a good conscience, in the fellow- 
ship of the Christian church ; in the confidence of a 
certain faith ; in the comfort of a reasonable, reli- 
gious, and holy hope ; in favour with thee our God ; 
and in perfect charity with the world. All which 
we ask throuofh Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



MARRIAGE CEREMONY. 

A Form far the Celebration of Marriages. 

The couple to be married presenting themselves before the min-? 
ister, either in the church, or in a private house, as the case 
may be, he may commence the ceremony by first addressing 
the company assembled, as follows : — 

Beloved Friexds : We are assembled at this 
time and place for the purpose of solemnly joining 
together in the bands of matrimony, the affianced 
couple now standing before us. The occasion is 
interesting and joyful, and we earnestly hope the 
union now to be consummated, may be crowned 
with the divine blessing, in the fulfilment of all rea- 
sonable anticipatiojis of prosperity, peace and hap- 
piness. 



MARRIAGE CEREMONY. 



157 



Then addressing himself to the couple to be married, the min- 
ister may say : — 

You Mr. and Miss [or Mrs. — - as the case be, 

calling each by name,] are about to enter into a new 
state and relation in life, the state of marriage, ap- 
pointed by the Author of our being for wise and 
benevolent purposes, and especially for mutual sup- 
port, counsel, and happiness. It is a state which is 
declared to be honourable among all men ; and which, 
therefore, should not be entered into unadvisedly, or 
without due consideration ; but seriously, discreetly, 
and with pure and upright motives. Trusting that 
you both have duly considered its importance, and 
that you will, each of you, make it your constant 
endeavour faithfully to discharge the various duties 
which will devolve on you, in the very responsible 
and most endearing relation of husband and wife ; 
you will now please to take and receive each other 
by the right hand, and give your cordial assent to 
the questions I shall propose to you respectively. 

Addressing the man, the minister may then say to him : — 

Do you take this woman, whom you hold by her 
right hand, to be your lawful and wedded wife ; and 
will you be an affectionate and faithful husband to 
her, so long as ye both shall live? 

Then in like manner to the woman : — 

Do you take this man, whose hand you have re- 
ceived, as your lawful and wedded husband ; and 
will you be an affectionate and faithful wife to him, 
so long as ye both shall live ? 

They each having declared or signified their assent, the muiister 
may offer a prayer, which may be accordmg to his discretion, 
or in the use of the following form, he first saying : — 

14 



158 



TTNIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



Let us pray. 

r^UR Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy 
name : thy kingdom come : thy will be done on 
earth, as it is in heaven : give us day by day, our 
daily bread : and forgive us our trespasses, as we 
forgive those who trespass against us : and lead us 
not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 

O eternal God, creator and preserver of all man- 
kind ; the author and giver of all good things. Send 
thy blessing, we pray thee, upon these thy servants, 
this man, and this woman, whom we bless in thy 
name ; and grant that as Isaac and Rebecca, of old, 
lived faithfully together, so this wedded pair may 
faithfully perform and keep the vow and covenant 
between them made, and may constantly remain to- 
gether in peace, harmony, and sincere affection; and 
may live in obedience to thy holy will and com- 
mands. Grant them all things needful for life and 
godliness, and have them always in thy holy care 
and keeping. 

Bless the company assembled on this joyful occa- 
sion. Crown us all with thy loving-kindness and 
tender mercies, and finally consummate the designs 
of thy love concerning us, in a happy and glorious 
union in thy heavenly kingdom ; through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen. 

The minister then uniting their hands agaia, may say, as fol- 
lows : — 

Forasmuch as this couple have consented togeth- 
er in holy matrimony, and have pledged their fidel- 
ity each to the other, in the presence of these wit- 
nesses, I pronounce them Husband and Wife, in 
the name of God, and according to the laws of this 
State. 



MARRIAGE CEREMONY. 



159 



The minister may then close the ceremony with the Nuptial 
Benediction, as follows : — 

IVT AY God Almighty bless, preserve and keep you; 

and manifest his favour and goodness toward 
you, more and more, according to his abundant 
kindness, and his everlasting love; and to Him be 
ascribed all praise and glory, throughout ail ages, 
world without end. Amen. 

Prayer for a Marriage Celehration. 

JpATHER of mercies and God of love — We would 
bless and praise thee, as for all thy favours in 
general, so especially for that relation which we sus- 
tain to thee, and to each other. We adore thee that 
thou hast made us rational and intelligent beings, 
and hast implanted in our bosoms the elevated senti- 
ments of friendship, affection and love ; by which 
we are rendered capable of enjoying the endearing 
delights of society and social intercourse, in the in- 
terchange of kindred sympathies and attachments. 
We bless thee for those ties of affinity which here 
bind us together as parents and children, brothers 
and sisters, companions and friends ; and which con- 
stitute us mutual partakers with each other in the 
joys and sorrows of this our mortal state. 

May thy richest blessings, O Lord, descend upon 
these persons who, by the marriage-covenant, are 
now about to enter into a new and endearing rela- 
tion to each other. May they always have occasion 
to number this among the most propitious events, 
and happy periods of their earthly existence. Wilt 
thou, heavenly Father, give them grace faithfully to 
discharge all the relative, social, and moral duties 
and obligations which shall devolve upon them in 
life. Let the blessings of health, peace and happi- 
ness attend them, and the beams of thy love and 



160 



UNIVEKSALIST MANUAL. 



goodness shine brightly upon them, and illuminate 
and cheer their habitation. 

Bless this union, O Lord, not only to this couple, 
but to all their relatives and friends. And grant that 
when this connexion on earth shall be dissolved, 
they may be bound together in a higher and holier 
union in thine immortal kinofdom ; where the celes- 
tial inhabitants neither marrv nor are given in mar- 
riage, but are as the angels of God in heaven. 
Mercifully hear and answer us, most merciful Fa- 
ther, in these our supplications and prayers ; and do 
for us, and for the whole human family, exceeding, 
abundantly, above all that we ask or think ; through 
Jesus Christ, our Mediator and Redeemer. 

Amen. 



FUNERAL SERVICES. 

Suggestions concerning the Manner of conducting the Funeral 
Services. 

"UTien these serrices are to be performed in the church (or when 
in a private house, if it be convenient) the minister, or person 
who shall officiate, may properly commence by reading a por- 
tion of the Holy Scriptures. One of the most appropriate 
portions for a funeral occasion, is thought to be the ISth chap- 
ter of the first Epistle to the Corinthians. If it should be 
deemed inexpedient to read the whole chapter, the portion may 
suitably commence at the 20th verse, and end with the close of 
the chapter. 

As a matter of convenience, as it may sometimes be, the above- 
named portion is here inserted. 

But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become 
the first fruits of them that slept. For since by man 
came death, by man came also the resurrection of 



FUNERAL SERVICES. 



161 



the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ 
shall all be made alive. But every man in his own 
order : Christ the first-fruits ; afterward they that 
are Christ's at his coming. Then cometh the end, 
when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to 
God, even the Father; when he shall have put down 
all rule, and all authority, and power. For he must 
reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 
The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. 
For he hath put all things under his feet. But when 
he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest 
that he is excepted which did put all things under 
him. And when all things shall be subdued unto 
him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto 
him that put all things under him, that God may be 
all in all. Else what shall they do, which are bap- 
tized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all ? why 
are they then baptized for the dead ? and why stand 
we in jeopardy every hour? I protest by your re- 
joicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die 
daily. If after the manner of men I have fought 
with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth me, if the 
dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to-morrow 
we die. Be not deceived : evil communications cor- 
rupt good manners. Awake to righteousness, and 
sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God. 
I speak this to your shame. But some man will say, 
How are the dead raised up? and with what body do 
they come ? Thou fool, that which thou sowest is 
not quickened except it die : and that which thou 
sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but 
bare grain ; it may chance of wheat, or of some 
other grain : But God giveth it a body as it hath 
pleased him, and to every seed his own body. All 
flesh is not the same flesh ; but there is one kind of 
flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of 
fishes, and another of birds. There are also celes- 
14* 



162 



TJMYERSALIST MA^'IJAL. 



tial bodies, and bodies terrestrial : but the glory of 
the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial 
is another. There is one glory of the sun, and anoth- 
er glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars ; 
for one star differeth from another star in glorv. So 
also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in 
corruption, it is raised in incorruption : it is sown in 
dishonour, it is raised in glory : it is sown in weak- 
ness, it is raised in power : it is sown a natural 
body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a nat- 
ural body, and there is a spiritual body. And so it 
is written, The first man Adam was made a living 
sou], the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. 
Howbeit, that was not first which is spiritual, but 
that which is natural ; and afterward that which is 
spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy: 
the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the 
earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is 
the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. 
And as we have borne the imaD:e of the earthy, we 
shall also bear the imacre of the heav enly. Now 
this I say, brethren, that fiesh and blood cannot in- 
herit the kingdom of God : neither doth corruption 
inherit incorruption. Behold, I show you a mys- 
tery; We shall not all sleep, but vre shall all be 
changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, 
at the last trump : for the trumpet shall sound, and 
the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall 
be changed. For this corruptible must put on in- 
corruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 
So when this corruptible shall have put on incorrup- 
tion, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, 
then shall be brought to pass the saying that is v^Tit- 
ten. Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, 
where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 
The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is 
the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us 



FUNERAL SERVICES. 



163 



the victory, through our Lord Jesus Christ. There- 
fore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovea- 
bie, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for- 
asmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain 
in the Lord. 

Instead of the above chapter, or immediately after it, as may be 
thought expedient, the following selections from the Psalms 
may be read, either by the person officiating, only, or by him 
and the congregation, verse by verse alternately, if there be a 
sufficient supply of books, and if this method should appear to 
be most agreeable. 

Minister, Lord, make me to know mine end, 
and the measure of my days, what it is : that I may 
know^ how frail I am. 

People. Behold, thou hast made my days as an 
liand-breadth, and mine age is as nothing before 
thee : verily, every man at his best state is altogether 
vanity. 

M. Surely man walketh in a vain show : surely 
he disquieteth himself in vain : he heapeth up riches, 
and knoweth not who shall gather them. 

P. And now. Lord, what wait I for ? my hope is 
in thee. 

M. Deliver me from all my transgressions, and 
make me not the reproach of the foolish. 

P. I was dumb, I opened not my mouth ; be- 
cause thou didst it. 

3L Remove thy stroke away from me : I am 
even consumed by the blow of thine hand. 

P. When thou with rebukes dost correct man 
for iniquity, thou makest his beauty to consume 
away like a moth : surely every man is vanity. 

3L Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear unto 
my cry, hold not thy peace at my tears : for I am a 
stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers 
were. 



164 



UNIVERSALIST MANTTAL. 



P. O Spare me, that I may recover my strength, 
Before I go hence, and be no more. (Ps. xxxix.) 

M. "Will the Lord cast olf for ever ? and will he 
be favourable no more ? 

P. Is his mercy clean gone for ever ? doth his 
promise fail for evermore ? 

M, Hath God forgotten to be gracious ? hath he 
in anger shut up his tender mercies 1 

P. And I said. This is mine infirmity : but I will 
remember the years of the right hand of the Most 
High. 

ilf. I wi\\ remember the works of the Lord : sure- 
ly I will remember thy wonders of old. (Ps. Ixxvii.) 

P. Our fathers trusted in thee : they trusted, and 
thou didst deliver them. 

M, They cried unto thee, and were delivered : 
they trusted in thee, and were not confounded. 
(Ps. xxii.) 

P. In God is my salvation and my glory : the 
rock of my strength, and my refuge is in God. 

M. Trust in him at all times ; ye people, pour 
out your heart before him ; God is a refuge for us. 
(Ps. Ixii.) 

P. God is our refuge and strength, a very pres- 
ent help in trouble. 

M. There is a river, the streams whereof shall 
make glad the city of God. 

P. The Lord of hosts is with us ; the God of 
Jacob is my refuge. (Ps. xlvi.) 

M, This God is our God for ever and ever ; he 
will be our guide even unto death. (Ps xlviii.) 

P. God will redeem my soul from the power of 
the grave ; for he shall receive me. (Ps. xlix.) 

M Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and 
afterward receive me to glory. 

P Whom have I in heaven but thee ? and there 
is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. 



FUNERAL SERVICES. 



165 



M. My flesh and my heart faileth : hut God is 
the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. 
(Ps. 73.) 

Then may be sung a funeral hymn or anthem ; after which may 
follow the prayer, either extempore, or by using one of the 
forms which follow, prepared for a funeral occasion. After 
which, the sermon, or address, if any be expected. The re- 
ligious services, at the church or house, may then be closed 
with another hymn and the benediction, or with the benedic- 
tion only, as shall be deemed expedient. 

Whereas it is customary, in some places, to have some short re- 
ligious services at the grave ; the following manner of proceed- 
ing is suggested as appropriate. 

In the procession, let the minister precede the corpse, the mourn- 
ers and others following it, as is usual. When at the grave, 
the corpse being let down into it, let the minister, or person 
officiating, solemnly pronounce the following select portions 
of holy Scripture — a part or all of them, at his discretion : — 

Man, that is born of a woman, is of few days, 
and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower, 
and is cut down : he fleeth also as a shadow, and 
continueth not. (Job xiv. 1, 2.) 

" Godliness with contentment, is great gain: for 
we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain 
we can carry nothing out." (1 Tim. vi. 6, 7.) 

"Man goeth to his long home, and the mourners 
go about the streets. The dust shall return to the 
earth as it was, and the spirit shall return unto God 
who gave it." (Eccl xii. 5 — 7.) 

"But I would not have you to be ignorant, breth- 
ren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sor- 
row not, even as others which have no hope. For if 
w^e believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, 
them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with 
him." (1 Thess. iv. 13, 14.) 



166 



UNIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



" Behold, I show you a mystery. We shall not 
all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, 
in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump, (for the 
trumpet shall sound,) and the dead shall be raised 
incorruptible, and we shall be changed. Then shall 
be brought to pass the saying that is written. Death 
is swallowed up in victory. Thanks be to God, 
which giveth us the victory, through our Lord Jesus 
Christ." (1 Cor. xv. 51—55.) 

Then may be added some brief remarks like the following : — 

Such, my beloved brethren and friends, are the 
declarations of the word of truth, given for our in- 
struction, admonition and comfort. And while they 
remind us of our frail and uncertain condition in this 
world, they are also calculated to afford strong con- 
solation amid all the troubles and sorrows of this 
transitory state. They teach us where to flee for 
refuge and support, during the ills of life, and the 
storms of adversity : even to the hope set before us 
in the gospel of our salvation ; " which hope we 
have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stead- 
fast, and which entereth into that within the vail, 
whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Je- 
sus." Here is exhibited a fountain of consolation 
for the healing of our wo, and the refreshing of our 
spirits ; every way suited, and sufficient to sustain 
us under any afflictions, or bereavements ; and to 
comfort and support us in every circumstance of life 
or death. With these views, and these animating 
prospects, we now bid a last adieu to the mortal re- 
mains of our deceased friend and brother, [or sister,] 
which we have committed to the peaceful grave, in 
the sure and joyful hope of the resurrection to im- 
mortality and glory, through our Lord Jesus Christ; 
" who shall change our vile body, that it may be 
fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to 



FUNERAL SERVICES. 



167 



the working whereby he is able even to subdue all 
things unto himself." 

The services may then be closed with a benediction — prece- 
ded, if thought expedient, by the Lord's prayer, the people 
repeating it audibly with the minister. 

Benediction. 

IVTAY the favour and blessing of Almighty God, 
our heavenly Father, be with you all, and abide 
with you for ever. Amen. 

A Prayer for a Funeral Occasion. ■ 

ALMIGHTY God, the Creator, upholder, and 
Governor of all things — Thou art God, and 
there is none beside thee — God over all, blessed 
for everm.ore. Amen. 

Thou doest thy pleasure among all the works of 
thy hands, and that pleasure is always to promote 
and secure the best good of thy dependant children. 
In this blessed assurance we would call upon our 
souls to return unto their rest in thee, and not be 
disquieted ; because thou art the health of our coun- 
tenance, and our God. We would therefore resiorn 
ourselves wholly to thy disposal ; and in all thy 
dealings with us we would still say, with thy afflict- 
ed servant of old, "It is the Lord ; let him do what 
seemeth to him good." In our prosperity may we 
gratefully adore the hand which supplies our wants: 
giving us richly all things to enjoy, and anointing 
us with the oil of gladness. In seasons of adversity, 
when trouble and anguish come upon, and we are 
made to drink of the cup of sorrow and trembling; 
may we not then yield to despondency, nor cast 
away our confidence, which hath great recompense 
of reward; but remembering the exhortation which 
speaketh unto us as unto children, may we patiently 



168 



UNIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



endure the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when we 
are rebuked of him. 

O Lord our God, the God of all grace and conso- 
lation : we are assembled on this mournful occasion, 
to mingle our sympathies with this bereaved family, 
and sincerely and unitedly to supplicate the throne 
of mercy and grace, especially in their behalf. We 
beseech thee, O Lord, to regard them in tender com- 
passion, and to sanctify this afflictive bereavement 
to their spiritual good. Teach them to know the 
rod, and him who hath appointed it, and to submit 
in meek and patient resignation, to this dispensation 
of thy providence, which for the present, is indeed 
grievous ; yet may it nevertheless, work for them 
the peaceable fruits of righteousness, in its salutary 
operation upon their minds. 

Bless, we pray thee, O Lord, all the members of 
this family, and all the mourning relatives, by what- 
ever ties they have been connected with the deceas- 
ed before us. Have them, heavenly Father, in thy 
constant and gracious care, and grant them the sus- 
taining consolations of the gospel of peace. May 
none of them mourn, even as those who have no 
hope ; and as though by the death of their friend, 
a separation had taken place which should admit of 
no reunion for ever. But may they look forw^ard 
with the eye of faith : even that faith which is the 
substance of things hoped for, to that blessed, and 
most desirable consummation, when all who die in 
Adam, shall be made alive in Christ: w^hen death, 
the last enemy shall be destroyed ; when tears shall 
be wiped from all faces, and when mortality shall be 
swallowed up of life, even life eternal. 

May thy blessing, O Lord, be upon all who are here 
assembled on this solemn occasion. May we all re- 
alize, by this instance of mortality, what is the end 
of all flesh : that dust we are, and unto dust we must 



FTTNERAL SERVICES. 



169 



return: that we are strangers and sojourners on 
the earth, as all our fathers were. May we who are 
yet living, lay these things to heart : so lay them 
to heart, that we may be divested of all self-confi- 
dence : may realize our frail and dependant condi- 
tion ; and that having the sentence of death in our- 
selves, we may not trust in ourselves, but in God 
who raiseth the dead : who hath already often de- 
livered us : who still doth deliver : in whom we 
trust that he will yet deliver us. 

May we confide in thy almighty power, and thy 
unfailing goodness, O heavenly Father, to redeem 
us from all the troubles and sorrows of this mortal 
life, and to exalt us through unsearchable riches of 
grace, to a state of perfect and endless blessedness 
in thy heavenly kingdom. And to God, only wise, 
and infinitely good, be ascribed all honour and glory, 
thanksgiving and praise, now, henceforth, and for 
evermore. Amen. 

Another Prayer for a Funeral Occasion. 

Q ALMIGHTY God, the Father of mercies, and 
the God of all grace and consolation ; in whom 
we and all creatures live and move, and have a being. 
Thou hast been the refuge, and the abiding-place of 
thy children in all generations. Before the mount- 
ains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed 
the earth and the world, even from everlasting to ev- 
erlasting, thou art God ! For a thousand years in 
thy sight are but as yesterday, when it is past, and 

as a watch in the night. But mortal man thou 

turnest to dust, and sayest, Return, ye children of 
men." Our days are like a shadow that declineth, 
and we are withered like grass : we spend our years 
as a tale that is told. 

Thou, O Lord, knowest our frame, thou remem- 
15 



170 



UNIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



berest that we are dust. Thou pitiest us, even as a 
father pitieth his children. Thou v\'ilt not cast off 
for ever ; but though thou causest grief, yet wih thou 
have compassion according to the muhitude of thy 
mercies. Teach us, O Lord, submission to thy 
will, and enable us to repose entire confidence in 
thy care and goodness, even in the darkest seasons 
of adversity, when the candle of the Lord shineth 
not on our tabernacle. Yea, though we walk 
through the valley of the shadow of death, may we 
fear no evil, because thou art with us, and wilt still 
comfort us. May we learn obedience, as well by 
the things we suffer, as by those which we enjoy, 
and always say, after the example of Jesus, " Not 
my will, O Father, but thine be done." 

May the solemn and mournful occasion upon 
which we are assembled together at this time, be 
sanctified to us all ; and especially to the spiritual 
good of the relatives of the deceased ; upon whom, 
in this dispensation of thy providence, thou hast laid 
thine afflictive hand, and brought upon them the 
days of sorrow and mourning. Suffer them not, O 
Lord, we beseech thee, to yield to despondency, or 
immoderate grief: but may they realize that in the 
midst of seeming wrath, thou rememberest mercy, 
and forgettest not to be gracious : that though weep- 
ing may endure for a nio;ht, yet joy cometh in the 
morning, when they shall put off their sackcloth, 
and be girded with gladness : yea, when thou wilt 
comfort all that mourn, and appoint unto them beauty 
for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and the gar- 
ment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. May they 
therefore patiently endure the chastening of the 
Lord, who maketh sore, and bindeth up : who 
woundeth, and whose hands maketh whole. May 
they take the prophets and saints of old for an ex- 
ample of suffering affliction and of patience ; and 



FUNERAL SERVICES. 171 

seeing they are compassed about with so great a 
cloud of witnesses, may they lay aside every weight 
and hindrance, and run with patience the race set 
before them. Especially may they ever be looking 
unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith ; who 
for the joy that was set before him, endured the 
cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the 
right hand of the throne of God. 

And O Father of mercies, grant us all, we beseech 
thee, the favour of thy constant presence and pro- 
tection — grace to help in every time of need — grace 
that shall be mighty in us and sufficient for us in all 
circumstances ; that as our days, so our strength 
may be. May we be always impressed with a sense 
of our entire dependance on thy care and kindness, 
O thou preserver of men ; and let us never presump- 
tuously trust to our own exertions, or our own pru- 
dence or forethought, for support and protection ; 
but seeing that our life is even a vapour that appear- 
eth for a little time, and then vanisheth away, may 
we meekly say, as taught by thy servant, the apos- 
tle James — If the Lord will, we shall live and do 
this or that." 

And O Father in heaven, who art our only suffi- 
cient guardian and guide, our stay and our strength, 
teach us to depend on thee alone ; to resign ourselves 
wholly to thy will and pleasure; to cast our care 
upon thee, and to trust in thee and not be afraid ; 
assured that thou art the strength of our heart, and 
our portion for ever. 

We commend to thy fatherly goodness, O heaven- 
ly Parent, all who are in adversity and trouble — the 
sick, the bereaved, the destitute, and the disconso- 
late : all who are in circumstances of want or dis- 
tress, either of body or mind, on the land, or on the 
waters. May it please thee, O Lord, to comfort and 
relieve them according to their several necessities ; 



172 



UNIVERSALIST MAXUAL. 



giving tliem patience under their suffering, and in 
due time, a happy issue out of all their afflictions. 

Finally, we implore thy rnercy and favour for all of 
humankind; that all the families and kindreds of 
the earth may, according to thy most gracious prom- 
ise, be blessed in thy Son the Messiah, the seed of 
Abraham, and enjoy the fulness of thy great salva- 
tion, to their everlasting perfection and joy, and to 
the glory and honour of thy holy Name, O blessed 
Lord God — world without end. Amex. 

A Form of Prayer for the funeral of a Child. 
^LMIGHTY and everlasting God, the Father of 
the spirits of all flesh. Thou art the great and 
original author of hutiian existence ; its preservation 
also is with thee alone, and it is cut short upon 
earth at thy command, and as seemeth good in thy 
sight. How unsearchable are thy judgments, O 
Lord, and thy ways past finding out. But we re- 
joice in the assurance that of Tliee^ and through 
Thee^ and to T/iee, are all things : to whom be glory 
for ever. Axex. 

The lifeless form of the little child here befor*^ 
us, for whose interment we have assembled, solemn- 
ly reminds us all. who are alike the children of mortal- 
ity, how frail is our condition, and how uncertain, to 
us, the term of our continuance in this world, where 
all flesh is as grass, and all the goodliness thereof as 
the flower of the field. So teach us, O Lord, to 
number our davs. that we may apply our hearts unto 
wisdom. Teach us. heavenly Father, true resig- 
nation, and quiet submission, under all thy dispensa- 
tions : in the grateful persuasion that they are all 
directed in infiuite wisdom, and unwavering loving- 
kindness ; and that thou dost always care for us, and 
wilt never forsake us. 

Especially, we implore thy blessing, Lord, upon 



FUNERAL SERVICES. 



173 



the bereaved parents of this deceased child, and up- 
on all the family relatives and connections. May 
this affliction be sanctified to their best good ; and 
may they derive comfort from the consideration, that 
the Lord gave, and that the Lord hath taken away : 
may they, therefore, like the afflicted and patient 
Patriarch of old, still say, ''blessed be the name of 
the Lord." May they also call to mind the tender 
affection which the blessed Saviour, when he was 
upon earth, manifested for little children, when he 
took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, 
and blessed them, and declared that of such is the 
kingdom of God. Teach them, O Lord, and all oth- 
ers, when in like circumstances of bereavement, to 
look forward in the exercise of a true gospel faith 
and hope, to that blessed reunion of kindred spirits, 
which shall be consummated in the future and heav- 
enly state, beyond the bounds of mortality and 
death ; where the pain of separation shall never be 
felt nor feared : where there is fulness of joy, and 
pleasures for evermore. 

Let thy presence, O Lord our God, and thy bles- 
sed influences, be with us in all the varied scenes of 
our earthly pilgrimage. Direct, sustain, and govern 
us in all circumstances : guide us by thy counsel, 
and afterward receive us to thyself, in glory ever- 
lasting. And to thy name, which is most excellent 
and adorable, be ascribed praise, thanksgiving, and 
honour, world without end. Amen. 

15* 



174 



UXIVE3SALIST HAXU.iL. 



SHORT PRAYERS ON ENTERING 
A CHURCH. 



Ejaculatio'/is, or Short Prayers, to he ofcred ly the People indi- 
vidually, on being seated in the Church, or Place of Public 
Worship. 



The place of public religious devotion should al- 
ways be entered with reverence, humility, and de- 
vout gratitude : because divine worship is, of all 
things, most solemn and sacred ; and, to the pious 
heart, most interesting also, and most elevating and 
joyful. It is customary in some congregations, for 
the people — the more seriously disposed especially — 
on first taking their seats, to offer, silently, a short 
petition, preparatory to engaging in the public ser- 
vices. This need occupy but a very short space of 
time, and we see not wherein it is justly liable to 
objection. Its appearance is solemn and devotion- 
al, and such, it is believed, when duly practised, will 
be its influence. Although, in this case each one 
is supposed to be capable of forming his, or her own 
petition, or ejaculation, a few examples are suggest- 
ed, as follows : — 



OLINESS, O Lord, becometh thy house for ever. 



Solemnize my mind, I pray thee, at this time, 
and enable me to worship thee in the beauty of holi- 
ness, to my spiritual improvement, and to the glory 
of thy holy name, through Jesus Christ, my blessed 
Redeemer and Saviour. Amex. 



LESSED be thy name, O Lord, for this op- 



portunity of meetiiior with thy people for reli- 
gious devotion. jMercifully direct, sanctify and 



REr.IARKS, 



1st. 




2d. 




SHORT PRAYERS. 



175 



govern us in tlie services in which we shall here be 
engaged ; and may great grace be upon us all, 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

3d. 

TJEAVENLY Father, I earnestly look unto thee 
for thy blessing. Let thy holy influences be 
upon me, and upon all who may attend this religious 
meeting. May we worship thee, the Father of our 
spirits, in spirit and in truth, to the glory of thy 
name, and to our advancement in piety, and in all 
goodness, through Christ our Redeemer. Amen. 

4th. 

Q LORD my God, may my mind be solemnly impress- 
with a sense of thy divine presence, thy great- 
ness, and thy unspeakable goodness. Clothe me 
with humility, and fill me with devout reverence, in 
this thy house of prayer and praise. May I also 
meekly hear, and gladly embrace the instructions, 
admonitions, and counsels which shall here be com- 
municated, agreeably to the truth of thy holy word 
and gospel ; and may I obediently follow the same, 
to the honour and praise of thy holy name, through 
Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world. Amen. 
5th. 

T ET thy blessing, O Heavenly Father, be upon all 
the worshipping assemblies of thy people this 
day. And I fervently pray thee, O Lord, to inspire 
my heart with the true spirit of devotion, that I may 
offer a living, and an acceptable sacrifice unto thee, 
through Jesus Christ thy Son, the Mediator. 

Amen* 

NOTE. 

It has also been the custom in some churches, for 
the people, silently to offer a short prayer after the 



176 



UNIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



public services are concluded. To this there need 
be no objections. Yet we think that with the bene- 
diction, solemnly and affectionately pronounced, and 
gratefully and cordially received, the congregation 
may " depart in peace." 



DEVOTIONS AT THE TABLE. 

REMARKS. 

The custom has prevailed among Christians, of 
having tvjo short services at the Table : one before 
and the other after partaking of a meal. The former 
is called Asking a blessing :" the latter, " Return- 
ing thanks." 

We know not that the example of Christ, or the 
primitive Christians, direct to the practice of more 
than one of these services, and that at the com- 
mencement of a repast; and this may properly be 
denominated Giving tlianTxs, or Blessing God. To 
which, however, may suitably be added a short sup- 
flication. 

The following examples are offered: — 

"OLESSED be God for all the bounties of his prov- 
idence. In particular we give thee humble 
thanks, O heavenly Father, for the provisions of the 
table now before us. May they be sanctified to the 
health and support of our mortal bodies ; and may 
our minds also be fed and sustained with that spir- 
itual bread which nourishes unto everlasting life ; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

"OEAVENLY Father, according to the example of 
thy beloved Son, our Saviour, we would give 
thanks to thee, and bless thy name at breaking of 



DEVOTIONS AT THE TABLE, 



177 



(bread. May we be always mindful of our depend- 
ance on ihee, our great and bountiful benefactor, 
I and deeply impressed with a due sense of our obli- 
gations to gratitude and obedience. Sanctify, O 
j God, these temporal mercies to our health and com- 
I fort ; and sanctify ourselves — our souls and bodies, 
i to thy service, and to thy glory ; through Christ our 
j Redeemer. Amen. 

I "lirHAT shall we render unto the Lord for all his 



I benefits? We will take the cup of salvation, 

i and will call upon the name of the Lord. All crea- 
tures wait upon thee, O Lord, and thou givest them 
' their meat in due season. We bless thee for all thy 
gifts and favors ; and in particular for the refresh- 
j ments here prepared for us. May we temperately 
partake of them, with devout gratitude to thee — with 
sincere charity and good will toward all our fellow- 
beings of the human family, and with feelings of ten- 
I der compassion for the needy and destitute ; accord- 
ing to thy blessed will, and to the glory of thy grace 
and mercy, in Christ Jesus. Amen. 

"DLESS the Lord, O our souls, and all that is with- 
in us bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O 
our souls, and forget not all his benefits. 

We would render thee unfeigned thanks, O heav- 
enly Father, for this renewed token of thy favour 
and goodness, in the temporal bounties of thy prov- 
idence, which we are now about to partake of. 
May they excite in us renewed emotions of gratitude 
to thee, and an humble and constant reliance on thy 
care and goodness, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 




Amen. 



178 



tmiVEESALISf MANTTAL. 



FOURTH OF JULY. 

A Prayer for a Fourth of July Celehration, 

Q THOU King eternal, immortal and invisible : 
the only wise God our Saviour — Thou hast 
made it both the duty and happiness of all rational 

and intelligent beings to offer and present unto thee 
the homage of their profound and grateful adora- i 
tion. We, as members of the human family, rejoice 
to own and acknowledge our perfect dependance on 
thee, as our Creator, Preserver, and bountiful Bene- 
factor. We rejoice that we are permitted to appear 
before thee, and to draw near unto thee with the 
filial confidence of children to an affectionate Pa- 
rent ; and that this confidence is awakened and sus- 
tained in our minds, by the unerring teachings of 
thy holy word, as well as by carefully observing the 
dispensations, and the constant operations of thy 
providence. 

Justice and judgment, Lord, are the habitation 
of thy throne ; mercy and truth shall go before thy 
face : how excellent is thy loving-kindness ! Thy 
government is as extensive as thy creation. All 
things are subject to thy control. Thou doest ac- 
cording to thy will, in the armies of heaven, and 
among the inhabitants of the earth, and no creature 
can stay thy hand, or direct thy counsels. Over the 
universe of raind^ as well as of matter, thou also 
reignest supreme, and alone. And we rejoice, O 
Lord, that in the assurance of the truth of thy su- 
preme and ever-during goodness, we are furnished 
with a rational and solid ground of confidence, that 
all the events of time will be so directed and over- 
ruled, as to result in good — supreme and universal 
good. O God, who is like unto thee ! glorious in 
holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders ! 



FOTTRTH OF JULY. 



We adore thee, O God, that in the history of all 
nations, we trace the vv^elcome evidence of thy good 
will to man. As all the families of the earth owe 
their existence to thee, and are thy offspring, so 
they all subsist upon thy bounty, as the sheep of thy 
pasture. And although they too often stray from 
their great and good Shepherd, yet have they abun- 
dant reason to rejoice in the existence which, unask- 
ed, thou hast conferred on them. 

In the history of our own beloved country, from 
its first settlement by the " Pilgrim Fathers," down 
through all the successive stages of its national prog- 
ress to the present time, we clearly discover thy 
merciful and gracious providence toward us. Thou 
didst enkindle in the breasts of our fathers an inex- 
tinguishable love of Liberty. In the time of their 
I peril, thou didst inspire them with fortitude, to as- 
sert and defend their inalienable rights. Thou ga- 
vest them wisdom in council; strength in the appa- 
rently unequal, and hazardous contest ; and didst 
crown them with victory, freedom, and indepen- 
dence. And now, O Lord, we earnestly pray that 
the inestimable privileges and blessings obtained by 
our ancestors, through thy favour, and the help of 
thy countenance, may be continued unto us their 
children, and may be transmitted unimpaired, to our 
I latest posterity. And may our national example be 
I such as to exert a salutary influence, political, moral 
I and religious, upon all the other kingdoms and em- 
I pires of the earth ; so that they may become pos- 
I sessed of their just and equal rights and immunities, 
to their own great comfort and prosperity, and to 
the glory of thy holy name. 

And finally, O, Lord, we pray that virtue and true 
religion may prevail and abound among us, and 
among all people, more and more ; and that infidel- 
ity and vice may cease to exert their debasing and 

i ■ 

I 



180 



UNIVERSALIST MANTTAL, 



pernicious influence over the minds and manners of 
men. And cause, we beseech thee, our God, that 
peace and happiness, founded in truth and righteous- 
ness, may in due time fill the world to thy praise and 
glory. We humbly implore these favours, with all 
needful blessings, for the sake of thy mercy, in 
Christ Jesus, our Redeemer and Saviour, Amen. 

Another Prayer for a Puhlic Celebration of American Indc' 

'pendence. 

TTOLY is the Lord of Hosts. Heaven and earth 
are full of thy glory. Glory be to thee, O Lord 
Most High. Reverence and adoration are due unto 
thee, O God, from all intelligent beings, of every 
grade, and in all worlds. For thou hast created all 
things, and for thy pleasure and for thy glory they 
are and were created. Thou upholdest and govern- 
est all things by thine almighty power, and by thy 
wise and unerring providence. Times and seasons ; 
ages and moments ; multitudes and individuals, of 
all classes of beings and things, are alike under thy ^ 
care and control, and subject to the high behest of | 
their great and beneficent Author, without whom, | 
as our divine Teacher hath assured us, a sparrow j 
falls not to the ground, and by whom the very hairs j 
of our head are all numbered. ! 

Almighty Parent, and Lord of all ! we would un- I 
feignedly rejoice, and even shout for joy, in the j 
grateful confidence, that creation, to its utmost ex- j 
tent, with all existences, circumstances and events, ] 
are under thy direction, and are concurring, however | 
mysteriously to us, to promote, and to accomplish 
the purposes of infinite wisdom and benevolence:: 
even the purposes of Him who is the Father of j 
lights, and the God of love ; and with whom there i 
is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. , 

We thank thee, O heavenly Father, for the care 



FOURTH OF JULY. 



181 



of thy providence, which hath been over us, and pre- 
served us through the varied scenes of our mortal 
life, to the present period. We devoutly thank thee 
for the innumerable blessings conferred on us, and 
for the inestimable privileges we are permitted to 
enjoy. We adore thee for the good land thou hast 
given us, and for the plenty with which our lives 
have been crowned. We thank thee for our civil 
and religious enjoyments, for the excellent constitu- 
tion, and form of civil government, under which, as 
a nation, and as individuals, we have experienced so 
great a share of prosperity and peace. May these 
blessings and privilege never be wrested from us 
by violence or treachery — lost by negligence, or 
dissipated and destroyed by corruption, among rulers 
or subjects ; or by the overflowings of ungodliness : 
but may we be indeed and in truth, a people whose 
God is the Lord, and a nation more and more exalt- 
ed by righteousness. So that the blessings of ra- 
tional liberty may be transmitted, in still increasing 
degrees of perfection, down to our latest posterity. 

To this end, we pray for the divine blessing on 
our civil rulers. Bless, we pray thee, heavenly 
Father, the President of the United States, and all 
the subordinate officers of the Government. Give 
them the true spirit of their respective stations. 
May they be men fearing God, and hating covetous- 
ness. Endue them with competent wisdom, and 
with integrity of principle : and may such measures 
be adopted and carried into effect, as shall best sub- 
serve the interests of the people at large. So that 
under the government and protection of equal laws, 
and the administration of impartial justice, we may 
lead a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness and 
honesty. 

And we beseech thee, O Lord, to bless the minis- 
ters of religion, of all orders and denominations 

16 



182 



TOIVEHSALIST IVTANT7AL. 



among us. May they faithfully declare the whole 
counsel of God, and preach the truth as it is in Je- 
sus. May the gospel of peace and salvation be ev- 
erywhere proclaimed, and everywhere prevail, to 
the destruction of the works of darkness, and the 
establishment of the reign of the Prince of peace, in 
all the earth. 

And now, O Lord, we v/ould devoutly thank thee 
for the return of this anniversary celebration of 
American Independence. May the recollection of 
the important and interesting events and conse- 
quences connected with it, and resulting from it, fill 
our hearts with lively gratitude to thee, the God of 
Hosts, and the Father of mercies. 

Preserve us, O Lord, we pray thee, during this 
joyful occasion, from intemperance, and excess of 
every kind ; from accidents and disasters, and from 
all evil. Direct and govern us in all the exercises, 
and in all the enjoyments of this festival season. 
Guide us in all the changeful scenes of future life ; 
and finally cause us to rest in peace, with the gen- 
erations that have gone before us ; and then crown 
us with everlasting life and felicity, in another and 
better state. And to thy name, O Father Almighty, 
be ascribed all honour, praise, and glory, world with- 
out end. A31EN. 



A Prayer for the U/iiversal Reign of Righteousness. 

Q ALMIGHTY Jehovah, Lord God of Hosts. Thy 

name only is holy, and thou art the Most High 
over all the earth. Clouds and darkness are round 
about thee : righteousness and judgment are the 
habitation of thy throne : mercy and truth shall go 
before thy face. Thou shalt judge the people right- 
eously, and govern the nations upon earth. 

We lament, O Lord our God, that iniquity so 



REIGN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. 



183 



much abounds : that thy holy laws are so constantly 
violated, and thy name every day blasphemed. O 
send forth thy light and thy truth, that darkness and 
error may be dispersed, and the wickedness of the 
wicked come to an end. May Christian Zion arise, 
and shake herself from the dust, and put on her 
beautiful garments. Let thy priests, the ministers 
of the true gospel sanctuary, be clothed with salva- 
tion, that thy people may shout for joy. Let the 
wilderness and the solitary place be glad for them, 
and the desert rejoice and blossom as the rose. 

May the contending nations of the earth, who 
have long delighted in war, be led to yield up their 
fierce enmity, and their unhallowed ambition : lay 
down their hostile weapons : beat their swords into 
ploughshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks, 
and learn war no more. And may they all cordially 
enlist under the banner of the Prince of peace ; 
yield to his gentle reign, and vow perpetual alle- 
giance to his government of gospel grace. May 
thy ancient people, the Jews, O heavenly and uni- 
versal Parent, be reclaimed from their backslidings, 
and their obstinacy: from their long dispersions, 
and weary wanderings ; and, remaining no longer in 
unbelief, may they at length receive and embrace 
their own Messiah : enjoy again the rich tokens of 
thy favour and loving-kindness; according to thy 
covenant unto them, when thou shalt take away their 
sins. 

Thus, O God of mercies, in the dispensation of 
the fulness of times, may Jews and Gentiles be 
truly and harmoniously united in one band of Chris- 
tian fellowship, one everlasting covenant of gospel 
grace, and all flow together to the goodness of the 
Lord ; unitedly exclaiming, with holy rapture, 
" How great is his goodness ! How great is his 
beauty!" 



184 



TJNIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



We rejoice, O our God, with exceeding joy, in the 
ample declarations, predictions and promises of thy 
faithful word ; the entire accomplishment of which, 
thou wilt hasten in their season. And we confident- 
ly look forward, with lively gratitude, and ardent 
anticipation, to that blessed period — long predicted 
by the mouth of thy holy prophets — when all shall 
know the Lord, from the least unto the greatest — 
when, in the last days, it shall come to pass, that 
the m.ountain of the house of the Lord shall be es- 
tablished in the top of the mountains, and shall be 
exalted above the hills ; and people shall flow unto 
it: and when also, in this mountain of his holiness, 
the Lord of Hosts shall make unto all people a feast 
of fat things : when he will destroy the face of the 
covering cast over all people, and the vail that is 
spread over all nations : when he will swallow up 
death in victory ; and when the Lord God will wipe 
away tears from ofl* all faces, for the Lord hath spo- 
ken it. 

Roll on, most mighty God, and heavenly Father, 
thy wise dispensations, and the accomplishment of 
thy vast and eternal counsels of benevolence and 
love; and teach us, with all intelligent beings, to 
ascribe unto thee, in profound reverence and adora- 
tion, supreme honour and power, and universal do- 
minion and glory ; as it was in the beginning, is 
now, and ever shall be, world without end. 

Amen. 



A Prayer for a Right Understanding of the Holy Scriptures. 
r\ HOLY, infinitely wise and glorious God, the 
fountain of all excellence, and the giver of 
all good. We thank thee that thou hast caused the 
holy Scriptures, which were given by thy holy in- 



TJNLEIISTANDING OF THE SCRIPTURES. 185 



spiralion, to be written for our instruction : to be a 
light to our feet and a lamp to our paths, to guide us 
through the darkness of this world. We unfeigned- 
ly thank thee for this inestimable favour ; and we 
earnestly pray that thou wouldst incline us to search 
those sacred records of divine truth with all care and 
diligence, and to delight in thy word more than in 
all manner of riches. May we read, mark, learn, 
and inwardly digest them, that we may therein learn, 
as well our duty, as the greatness of our privileges, 
and thine unbounded mercy and goodness ; that we 
may thereby be incited both to devout gratitude, and 
sincere obedience, and also that we may know the 
things that are freely given to us of God. 

Enlighten our understandings, O Lord, more and 
more, that we may discern the true import of the 
sacred records, and their just application ; so that 
we may never, like the ignorant and unstable, wrest 
them to our own destruction, or to the reproach or 
injury of the cause of truth and virtue; but that we 
may rightly comprehend, and du]y estimate their ex- 
cellent teachings, and most salutary counsels, which 
are able to make us wise unto salvation. Especially, 
may we learn of Christy both by his instructions, 
and his blessed example, the truth as it is in him, 
and as revealed and declared in his holy gospel ; by 
knowing and following which we shall be made free, 
indeed, and shall not walk in darkness, but shall have 
the light of life. 

Most earnestly we desire, O Lord our God, that 
we m.ay be enabled to understand, and to embrace 
the great and precious promises contained in the 
holy Scriptures ; in their full and most satisfactory 
import. May we lay hold upon them, by a true and 
lively faith, and derive from them strong consola- 
tion : even a hope which maketh not ashamed ; 
which is as an anchor to the soul, both sure and stead-^ 
16* 



186 



imiVERSALIST MANUAL. 



fast, and which entereth into that within the vail ; 
whither the forerunner is for iis entered, even Jesus. 

Hear us, in these our humble, and most fervent 
supplications, O heavenly Father, and answer them 
to the peace and joy of our hearts. And to thy holy 
and most reverend name, be the praise and the glory 
for ever ; through Jesus Christ, our Mediator and 
Redeemer. Amen. 



GOD, who art the author of peace and lover of 



concord, in knowledge of whom standeth our 
eternal life ; whose service is perfect freedom : we 
earnestly pray that thou wouldst pour upon all 
Christian people, even all who name the nam.e of 
Christ, the true spirit of Christian unity — a spirit of 
condescension, forbearance, forgiveness, and of that 
heavenly charity, which is the very bond of peace, and 
the perfection of all virtues : that there may be no 
divisions nor contentions among them, but that they 
may all be of one accord and of one mind, striving 
together for the faith of the gospel. Teach them, 
O Lord, to consider, and affectingly to realize the 
near and most endearing relation in which they stand 
to each other, as the offspring of one common, al- 
mighty, and most gracious Parent : as members of 
the same human family, whose Father is in heaven, 
and who is constantly watching over, providing for, 
and governing the whole, in infinite wisdom, and in 
unvarying, and unbounded benevolence. 

May they also duly reflect that, as Christians, they 
have one and the same hope of their calling — one 
Lord, one faith, and one baptism ; one God and 
Father of all, v\dio is above all, and through all, and 
in them all. May they therefore endeavour to keep 



A Prayer for Christian Unity, 




FORMATION OP SOCIETIES. 



187 



the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace ; pro- 
voking unto love and good works, and being kind 
one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one an- 
other, as God, for Christ's sake, hath forgiven them. 

Unite their hearts, O God, more and more, in love 
and gratitude to thee, and in affection and kindness 
toward each other. T,each them to fulfil the law of 
Christ in bearing one another's burdens, and in lov- 
ing one another, as he has given commandment. 
Thus showing forth, in its just operation, the true 
spirit, and the blessed influence of the Christian 
principle and doctrine ; and thus letting their light 
shine before men, that seeing their good works, they 
also may be led to glorify our Father in heaven, 
through Jesus Christ our Redeemer. Amen. 



FORMATION OF SOCIETIES. 

As the denomination of Universalists is extending 
more and more, and its numbers greatly increasing 
in almost all parts of our country ; and as new so- 
cieties will, of course, from time to time, be formed, 
and admitted into the fellowship of the order, it is 
thought expedient and desirable that this publication 
should contain a suitable and approved form for the 
orofanization of such societies. It should be remark- 
ed, however, that no prescribed form can, in all its 
parts, be adopted in every place, but must necessa- 
rily be varied, so as to conform to the laws and 
regulations, which may exist in the different states, 
relative to this subject. 

At the New York State Convention in 1836, a 
committee was appointed, consisting of Brothers T. 
J. Sawyer, P. Morse, and C. F. Le Fevre, " to 
prepare a model, or models for society, or church 



188 



UNIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



and society constitutions," (kc. In compliance with 
the objects of their appointment, the committee sub- 
sequently reported the following models ; — that for 
societies can be varied according to the legal pro- 
visions in the different states : — 

For a Society. 

There being " an act to provide for the incorporation of religious 
societies," passed by the Legislature of the State of New York, 
the committee think they cannot better discharge their dntv with 
respect to the formation of societies, than by following the in- 
struction of the statute m such case provided. They submit the 
following extracts as all that strikes them necessary for this pur- 
pose : — 

1. Fifteen days previous to forming a society, notice shall be 
given at the place w^here worship is w^ont to be held, of such in- 
tention. This notice to be given for two successive Sabbaths. 

2. Two individuals from the society to be formed to " be nom- 
inated by a majority of the members present, shall preside at such 
election, receive the votes of the electors, and certify under their 
hands and seals the names of those elected as trustees." There 
shall not be less than three nor exceeding trustees. 

3. By such act, the trustees and their successors become a body 
corporate and may be so recorded by the county clerk, who is en- 
titled, for the recording of the certificate of incorporation, to sev- 
enty-five cents, and no more. 

4. The trustees shall have and use a common seal, and take 
charge of all temporalities belonging to such society. 

5. The trustees shall continue in office three years, but those first 
chosen shall be divided into three lots, numbered one, two, and 
three, so that there may be annually a third part of the whole 
number chosen. A month's notice shall be given when a va- 
cancy is to be filled, and the election shall take place at least six 
days before the vacancy occurs. 

6. No person is eligible to the office of trustee w^ho has not 
been a stated attendant on the worship of said society and con- 
tributed to its support, for one year previous to his election. 

They also reported the following form for the or- 
ganization, or recognition of a church : — 

For a Church. 

Believing that church connexion is conformable with Scripture, 



FORMATION OF SOCIETIES. 



189 



and sanctioned by general usage, we do agree to associate our- 
selves in that capacity for the purpose of promoting mutual knowl- 
edge, virtue, and piety. 

Constitution, 

Art. 1. This Church shall be known by the name of . 

Art. 2. The officers of this church shall consist of a Mod- 
erator, Clerk, and two or more Deacons, who shall be annu- 
ally chosen on the day of ^, who shall perform all 

such duties as are connected with these respective offices. 

Art. 3. No person shall be a member of the church unless 
he acknowledges a belief in the Scriptures, and sustains a good 
moral character. 

Art. 4. The ordinances of the gospel shall be duly adminis- 
tered in this church at convenient seasons, but a participation 
in them shall not be considered necessary to constitute church 
membership. 

Art. 5. This Church disclaims all right to deal with im- 
moral members, except by admonition and reproof, and in case 
of no reformation, by a withdrawal of fellowship. 

Art. 6. Any member shall have the privilege of withdraw- 
ing from the church at his or her option, by giving notice to 
that effect, and shall be entitled to a certificate expressive of 
his or her moral character. 

Art. 7. This Constitution may be altered or amended at any 
meeting called for that purpose, by a vote of two thirds of the 
members present. 

The above committee also reported what they de- 
nominate a Confession of Faith. It consists of only 
three articles, all of them expressed in the precise 
language of Scripture, as follows : — 

Confession of Faith. 

We believe in the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, 
as containing a divine revelation, and as our guide in faith and 
practice. 

Our faith in relation to the character of God, the mission of 
Christ, and the destiny of mankind, is clearly expressed in the 
following Scripture language : — 

1. We believe " there is one God, even the Father." 

2. We believe " there is one Mediator between God and men, 
the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom for all, to be 
testified in due time." 



190 



tTNIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



3. "We believe that " Christ hath abolished death and brought 
life and immortality to light through the gospel." 

There might, perhaps with propriety, be added 
another article, expressive of the distinguishing doc- 
trine of Universalism, as follows: — 

4. 'We believe that " God our Saviour will have all men to 
be saved and come unto the knowledge of the truth :" and we 
believe that He " worketh ail things after the counsel of his own 
will,'" and "that in the dispensation of the fulness of times" 
He will "gather together in one, all things in Christ, both 
which are in heaven, and which are on earth ; even in him." 

We have no great reverence for creeds, contain- 
ing a long list of articles, and specifications of doc- 
trines, contrived ''by art and man's device," espe- 
cially such as are not and cannot be expressed in 
the simple language of the holy Scriptures. 

That many of the articles of Faith, contained in 
the creeds and summaries of doctrine, adopted by 
difierent denominations of professing Christians are 
of the above character, and cannot be expressed in 
the language of Scripture, must, on examination, be 
obvious. Take, as an instance, the 2d of the 39 
articles of the Episcopal church, entitled Of the 
Word, or Son of God, Avhich was made very man." 
The article is expressed as follows : — " The Son, 
which is the Word of the Father, begotten from ev- 
erlasting of the Father, the very aiid eternal God, of 
one substance with the Father, took man's nature in 
the womb of the blessed Yirorin, of her substance : 
so that two whole and perfect natures, that is to say, 
the Godhead and manhood were joined together in 
one person, never to be divided, whereof is one 
Christ, very God and very man ; who truly suffered, 
was crucified, dead, and buried, to reconcile his 
Father to us, and to be a sacrifice, not only for ori- 
ginal guilt, but also for actual sins of men." 

It would be impossible to express the sentiments 



FORMATION OF SOCIETIES. 



191 



contained in this article, in the language of Scrip- 
ture, for nowhere in the sacred writings is it de- 
clared that the Son was begotten from everlast- 
ing,^^ or that he is " the very and eternal God, of 
one substance with the Father — very God and very 
man" — or that he was crucified, dead, and buried 
to reconcile his Father to us,^^ or to be " a sacrifice 
for original guilV^ 

Let another instance be noted, and it shall suffice. 
It is contained in a summary of doctrines adopted by 
the Presbyterian and Congregational denominations, 
and is as follows : — 

'*Man by the fall lost communion with God, and 
fell under his wrath and curse ; became subject to 
all the miseries of this life, to death itself, and to the 
pains of hell for ever." 

Or this : — 

*' By the decree of God, for the manifestation of 
his glory, some men and angels are predestinated 
unto eternal life, and others foreordained to ever- 
lasting death." 

This, surely, is not the express language of Scrip- 
ture. And ought we to express the doctrines of the 
Bible, as a rule of faith, in language which the Bi- 
ble does not furnish ? We think not. " Whoso read- 
eth let him understand." 



INDEX 



Page. 

Dedicatia - - - - . 3 

Preface 5—22 

Universalist Publications and Preaching 22 — 26 
Essay on the Subject of Prayer - - 27 — 42 
Public Worship, Manner of Conducting 43 

Form of Service, with Responses 44 — 53 

Public Prayers - . . . 54—68 
Conference and Social Meetings - - 68 — 77 

Occasional Prayers - - - - 77 — 87 
Dedication of Churches - - - S8 — 99 

Closing Prayers and Benedictions - - 99 — 102 
The Communion - - . - 102—113 

Baptism 114—127 

Dedication of Children - - - 127—131 

Sunday Schools - - - . 132—142 

Family Prayers 142 — 156 

Marriage Ceremony - - - 156 — 160 

Funeral Services . . - . 150 — 173 

Short Prayers on entering Church - 174 — 176 

Devotions at the Table - - - 176 — 177 

Fourth of July, Forms of Prayer for 178 — 182 
A Prayer for the Universal Reign of 

Righteousness - - 182 — 184 

for Right understanding of the 

Scriptures - - - 184—186 

for Christian Unity - - - 186—187 

Formation of Societies - - - 187 — 191 



HYMNS. 



17 



As one especial object of this Book of Devotions 
is to stimulate, and to assist small societies and oth- 
ers who may be destitute of a minister — to establish 
and keep up religious meeting for social worship 
and instruction ; it has, therefore, been deemed ex- 
pedient that it should contain a convenient number 
and variety of appropriate Hymns ; adapted both to 
the usual services of the Christian Sanctuary, and to 
particular occasions of devotional exercises. 

Of the following hymns, a few are original, and so 
distinguished by an asterisk (*) ; the others are care- 
fully selected from different publications, with the 
author's name attached when it could be ascer- 
tained. A. selection of verses has been made, when 
the hymn was thought to be longer than necessa- 
ry ; and when the sentiment, in some of the verses, 
was considered exceptionable. For the same rea- 
son, some expressions, also, have, in a few instan- 
ces, been varied. It is hoped the collection here 
presented, will be acceptable, and useful. 

2 



OPENING AND CLOSE OF PUBLIC WORSHIP. 



HYMN 1. L. M. 

Praise to the Creator. Ps. c. 

■gEFOEE Jehovah's awful throne, 

Ye nations, bow with sacred joy ; 
Know^ that the Lord is God alone, 
He can create, and he destroy. 

2 His sov'reign power, without our aid, 
Made us of clay, and formed us men ; 

And when like wand'ring sheep we strayed, 
He brouo^ht us to his fold ao^ain. 

3 We are his people, Ave his care, 
Our souls and all our mortal frame ; 

What lasting honours shall we rear. 
Almighty Maker, to thy name % 

4 We'll crowd thy gates with thankful songs, 
High as the heaven our voices raise ; 

And earth with her ten thousand tongues. 
Shall fill thy courts with sounding praise. 

5 Wide as the world is thy command, 
Vast as eternity thy love ; 

Firm as a rock thy truth must stand. 

When rolling years shall cease to move. -vvatt 



4> 



UNIVEKSALIST BIANUAL. 



HYMN 2. L. M. 

Praise to the Creator. Ps. c. 

"^^ITH one consent let all the earth 

To God their cheerful voices raise , 
Glad homage pay Avith joy and mirth, 
And sing before him songs of praise. 

2 Convinced that he is God alone, 
From whom both we and all proceed ; 

We whom he chooses for his own, 
The flock that he vouchsafes to feed. 

3 enter then his temple gate. 
Thence to his courts devoutly press ; 

And still your grateful hymns repeat. 
And still his Name with praises bless. 

4 For he's the Lord, supremely good, 
His mercy is for ever sure ; 

His truth, which always firmly stood, 

To endless ages shall endure. mte & Brady. 

HYMN 3. L. M. 

Praise to the Creator. Ps. xlvi. 

■pEOM all that dwell below the skies, 

Let the Creator's praise arise ; 
Let the Redeemer's name be sung. 
Through every land, by every tongue. 

2 Eternal are thy mercies, Lord ^ 

Eternal truth attends thy word : 

Thy praise shall sound from shore to shore, 

Till suns shall rise and set no more. [Watts. 



PUBLIC WORSHIP. 



5 



HYMN 4. L. M. 

Praise to the Creator. Ps. cl. 

Q PEAISE the Lord in that blest place, 

From whence his goodness largely flows ; 
Praise him in heaven, where he his face, 
Unveiled, in perfect glory shows. 

2 Praise him for all the mighty acts, 
Which he in our behalf has done ; 

His kindness this return exacts. 

With which our praise should equal run. 

3 Let all, that vital breath enjoy, 
The breath he does to them afford, 

In just returns of praise employ ; 

Let every creature praise the Lord. [Tate & Brady. 

HYMN 5. L. M. 

Christ's Reign. Ps. Ixxii. 

TESUS shall reign where'er the sun, 
Does his successive journeys run 5 
His kingdom stretch from shore to shore, 
Till moons shall wax and wane no more. 

2 Blessings abound where'er he reigns ; 
The prisoner leaps to loose his chains ; 
In him the weary souls find rest. 

And all the sons of want are blest. 

3 Where he displays his healing power. 
Sorrow and sin are known no more i 

In him the tribes of Adam boast 
More blessings than their father lost. 
17* 



6 



rXIVERSALIST 31 AN UAL. 



4 Let every creature rise and bring 
Peculiar honours to their king ; 
Angels descend with songs again, 
And earth repeat the long Amen. 



[Watts. 



HY]^IX 6. L. M. 



Gospel Grace. Ps. kxii. 



A S showers on meadows newly mown 

Jesus shall shed his blessings doT\'n ; 
Crowned vdili whose life-infusing drops. 
Earth shall renevv' her blissful crops. 

2 Lands that, beneath a burning sky, 
Have long been desolate and dry, 
Effusions of his lore shall share, 
And sudden green and herbage wear. 

3 The dews and rains, in all their store, 
Drenching the pastures o'er and o'er. 
Are not so copious as that grace, 
Which sanctities and saves our race. 

4 As, in soft silence, vernal showers 
Descend, and cheer the fainting flowers, 
So. in the secrecy of love, 

Falls the sweet influence from above. 

5 That heavenly influence let me find 
In holy silence of the mind, 

AVhile every grace maintains its bloom. 
Diffusing wide its rich perfume. 

6 Xor let these blessings be confined 
To me, but poured on all mankind. 
Till earth's wide wastes in verdure rise. 

And a young Eden bless our eyes. [Rippon's coii. 




PUBLIC ■WORSHIP. 



7 



HYMN 7. L. M. 

Confidence in God. Ps. xviii. 

IVrO change of time shall ever shock 

My firm affection, Lord, to thee ; 
For thou hast always been my rock, 
A fortress and defence to me. 

2 Thou my deliverer art, my God; 
My trust is in thy mighty power ; 

Thou art my shield from foes abroad, 
At home my safeguard and my tower 5 

3 To thee I will address my prayer, 
To whom all praise we justly owe ; 

So shall 1, by thy watchful care. 
Be guarded safe from every foe. 



HYMN 8. C. M. 

The Lord our Shepherd. Ps. xxiii. 

npHE Lord himself, the mighty Lord, 

Vouchsafes to be my guide j 
The shepherd, by whose constant care, 
My wants are all supplied. 

2 In tender grass he makes me feed, 
And gently there repose ; 

Then leads me to cool shades, and where 
Refreshing water flows, 

3 He does my wand'ring soul reclaim, 
And, to his endless praise. 

Instruct with humble zeal to walk 
In his most righteous ways. 



TTNIVERSALIST MAXTJAL. 



4 I pass the gloomy vale of death, 
From fear and dang-er free : 

For there his aiding rod and staff 
Defend and comfort me. 

5 Since God doth thus his wondrous love, 
Through all my life extend, 

That life to him I will devote, 
And in his temple spend. 



HYMX 9. C. M. 

Praise to the Creator. Ps. viii. 

THOU, to whom all creatures bow, 
Within this earthly frame, 
ThrouDfh all the world how g-reat art thou ! 
How glorious is thy name ! 

2 When heaven, thy beauteous work on high, 
Employs my wondering sight ; 

The moon, that nightly rules the sky 
With stars of feebler light j 

3 0, what is man, that. Lord, thou lovest 
To keep him in thy mind ] 

Or what his offspring, that thou provest 
To them so wondrous kind ] 

4 They jointly o^yn his powerful sway ; 
The beasts that prey or graze ; 

The bird that wings its airy way j 
The fish that cuts the seas. 

5 thou, to whom all creatures bow 
Within this earthly frame. 

Through all the world how great art thou ! 
How glorious is thy name ! [Tate & 



PUBLIC WOKSHIP. 



HYMN 10. C. M. 

Hope in God. Ps. xlii. 

AS pants the hart for coolmg streams, 

When heated in the chase ; 
So longs my soul, God, for thee. 
And thy refreshing grace. 

2 For thee, my God, the living God, 
My thirsty soul doth pine ; 

! when shall I behold thy face, 
Thou Majesty Divine 1 

3 My heart is pierced, as with a sword. 
While thus my foes upbraid : 

Vain boaster, where is now thy God'? 
And where his promised aid ? 

4 Why restless, why cast down, my soul 1 
Hope still ; and thou shalt sing 

The praise of him who is thy God, 

Thy health's eternal spring. mte& Brady. 

HYMN 11. C. M. 

Praise to the Creator. 

"^^^HEN all thy mercies, my God, 

My rising soul surveys. 
Transported with the view, I 'm lost 
In w^onder, love, and praise ! 

2 Through every period of my life 

Thy goodness I '11 pursue ; 
And after death, in distant worlds, 

The glorious theme renew. 



UNIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



3 When nature fails, and day and night 
Divide thy works no more, 

My ever grateful heart, Lord, 
Thy mercy shall adore. 

4 Through all eternity, to thee 
A joyful song I'll raise ; 

But oh ! eternity 's too short 

To utter all thy praise. [Addison. 

HYMN 12. C. M. 

Praise to the Creator. Ps. cxviii. 

'JpHE Lord has been my help ; the praise 

To him alone belongs ; 
He is my guardian and my strength, 
He only claims my songs. 

2 He will not suffer me to fall, 
But still prolongs my days ; 

That by declaring all his works, 
I may advance his praise. 

3 Then open wide the temple gates 
To which the just repair. 

That I may enter in, and praise 
My great deliv'rer there. 

4 This day is God's ; let all the land 
Exalt their cheerful voice ; 

" Lord we beseech thee, save us now, 
And make us still rejoice. " 

5 then with me give thanks to God, i 
Who still does gracious prove ; j 

And let the tribute of our praise 

Be endless as his love. (Tate& Brady, 

i 



PUBLIC WOESHIP. 



11 



HYMN 13. L. M. 

Praise to the Creator. Ps. Ivii. 

GOD, my heart is fixed, 't is bent. 
Its thankful tribute to present, 
And, with my heart, my voice I '11 raisr 
To thee, my God, in songs of praise. 

2 Awake my glory, harp and lute, 
No longer let your strings be mute : 
And I, my tuneful part to take. 
Will with the early dawn awake. 

3 Thy praises, Lord, I will resound 
To all the list'ning nations round ; 
Thy mercy highest heaven transcends. 
Thy truth beyond the clouds extends. 

4 Be thou, God, exalted high ; 
And as thy glory fills the sky, 
So let it be on earth displayed 

Till thou art here, as there, obeyed. 

HYMN 14. L. M. 

Praise to the Creator. Ps. ciii. 

jyjY soul, inspired with sacred love, 

God's holy Name for ever bless ; 
Of all his favours mindful prove, 

And still thy grateful thanks express. 

2 'Tis he that all thy sins forgives, 
And after sickness make thee sound ; 

From danger he thy life retrieves. 

By him with grace and mercy crowned. 



12 



UNIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



3 The Lord abounds with tender love, 
And unexampled acts of grace ; 

His wakened wrath doth slowly move, 
His willing mercy flies apace. 

4 God will not always harshly chide, 
But with his anger quickly part ; 

And loves his punishments to guide 
More by his love than our desert. 

5 Let every creature jointly bless 

The mighty Lord ; and thou, my heart. 
With grateful joy thy thanks express, 

And in this concert bear thy part. [Tate & Brady. 



Q COME, loud anthems let us sing. 

Loud thanks to our Almighty King , 
For we our voices high should raise. 
When our salvation's rock we praise. 

2 Into his presence let us haste. 
To thank him for his favours past ; 
To him address, in joyful songs. 
The praise that to his Name belongs. 

3 let us to his courts repair. 
And bow with adoration there ; 
DowTi on our knees devoutly all 
Before the Lord, our Maker, fall. 

4 For he's our God, our shepherd he, 
His flock and pasture sheep are we : 
O then, ye faithful flock, to-day 



HYMN 15. L. M. 



Praise to the Creator. Ps. xcv. 




His warning hear, his voice obey. 



[Tate & Brady. 



PTTBLIC WOESHIP. 



13 



HYMN 16. L. M. 

Praise to the Creator. Ps. cxi. 

pRAISE ye the Lord ! our God to praise 
My soul her utmost power shall raise ; 
With private friends, and in the throng 
Of saints, his praise shall be my song. 

2 His works are all of matchless fame, 
And universal glory claim ; 

His truth, confirmed through ages past. 
Shall to eternal ages last. 

3 By precepts he hath us enjoined, 
To keep his wondrous works in mind ; 
And to posterity record 

That good and gracious is our Lord. 

4f Just are the dealings of his hands. 
Immutable are his commands, 
By truth and equity sustained, 
And for eternal rules ordained. 

5 Who wisdom's sacred prize would win 

Must Avith the fear of God begin ; 

Immortal praise and heavenly skill 

Have they who know and do his will. [Tate & Brady. 

HYMN 17. L. M. 

Praise to the Creator. Ps. cvi. 

Q RENDER thanks to God above. 

The fountain of eternal love ; 
Whose mercy firm through ages past 
Has stood, and shall for ever last. 

18 



14 



U^'IVERSALIST MAN'UAL. 



2 Who can his mighty deeds express, 
Not only vast, but numberless '] 
What mortal eloquence can raise 
His tribute of immortal praise 1 

3 Happy are they, and only they^ 
Who from thy judgments never stray ; 
Who know what's right ; nor only so, 
But always practise what they know. 

4 Extend to me that favour, Lord, 
Thou to thy chosen dost afford ; 
When thou returnst to set them free, 
Let th^r salvation visit me. 

5 may I worthy prove to see 
Thy saints in full prosperity ; 
That I the joyful choir may join. 
And count thy people's triumph mine. 

6 Let Israel's God be ever blessed, 
His Name eternally confessed ; 
Let all his saints, with full accord, 

Sing loud Amens — praise ye the Lord ! [Tate 

HYMN 18. L. M. 

Immutability of God. Ps. zciii. 

"YyiTH glory clad, with strength arrayed. 
The Lord, that o'er all nature reigns, 
The world's foundation strongly laid, 
And the vast fabric still sustains. 

2 How surely stablished is thy throne ! 

Which shall no change or period see ; 
For thou, Lord, and thou alone, 

Art God from all eternity. 



PUBLIC WORSHIP. 



15 



3 The floods, Lord, lift up their voice, 
And toss the troubled waves on high; 

But God above can still their noise, 
And make the angry sea comply. 

4 Thy promise, Lord, is ever sure, 

And they that in thy house would dwell, 
That happy station to secure. 

Must still in holiness excel. [Tate & Brady 

HYMN 19. L. M. 

Heavenly Joys. 1 Cor. ii. 9i 

JgEYOND the reign of sin and death. 

Beyond the precincts of the tomb, 
There is a bright and beauteous land. 
Where flowers perennial ever bloom. 

2 Eye hath not seen, nor heart conceived 
The glories of that blest abode 5 

Oceans of light, and life, and joy. 

Flow round it from the throne of God. 

3 And oh ! in those green, fadeless bowers. 
Reclining on their Saviour's breast. 

The loved and lost of earth have found 
A blissful home of endless rest. 

4 Our Father in his boundless love. 
Hath there prepared a bounteous feast , 

And the whole kindred of mankind 
Shall share in the divine repast. 

5 Infinite grace will be the theme [^^y 5 
Of those blest songs, through Heaven's bright 

And love supreme will fill each soul. 

While ages roll their years away. [Mrs.A.r. Stephens. 



16 



traiVEKSALIST MANUAL. 



HYMN 20. L. M. 

Sabbatic Rest. 

T ORD of the Sabbath, hear our vows, 
On this thy day, in this thy house ; 
And let our songs and worship rise 
Like grateful incense to the skies. 

2 Thine earthly Sabbaths, Lord, we love 
But there's a nobler rest above ; 

To that our longing souls aspire, 
With ardent hope and strong desire. 

3 No more fatigue, no more distress. 
Nor sin, nor death, shall reach the place 
No tears shall mingle with the songs 
Which warble from immortal tongues. 

4 No rude alarms of raging foes, 
No cares to break the long repose ; 
No midnight shade, no clouded sun, 
But sacred, high, eternal noon. 

5 long-expected day, begin ! 

Dawn on these realms of death and sin ! 
Fain would we quit this weary road. 
And sleep in death, to rest with God. 

HYMN 2L L. M. 6Z. 

God our Shepherd. Ps. xxiii. 

npHE Lotd my pasture shall prepare, 

And feed me with a shepherd's care j 
His presence shall my wants supply, 
And guard me with a watchful eye 5 



PUBLIC WORSHIP. 



17 



My noonday walks he shall attend, 
And all my midnight hours defend. 

2 When in the sultry glebe I faint, 
Or on the thirsty mountains pant. 
To fertile vales, and dewy meads, 
My weary, wandering steps he leads, 
Where peaceful rivers, soft and slow, 
Amid the verdant landscape flow. 

3 Though in a bare and rugged way, 
Through devious, lonely wilds I stray, 
Thy bounty shall my pains beguile ; 
The barren wilderness shall smile. 

With sudden greens and herbage crowned, 
And streams shall murmur all around. 

4 Though in the paths of death I tread. 
With gloomy horrors overspread, 

My steadfast heart shall fear no ill, 

For thou, Lord, art with me still : 

Thy friendly crook shall give me aid, 

And guide me through its dreary shajde. [Addison. 



HYMN 22. L. M. 6/. 

Invocation. Ps. cxix. 

"y^HILE here as wand'ring sheep we stray, 

Teach us, teach us, Lord, thy way ! 
Dispose our hearts, with willing awe, 
To love thy word and keep thy law : 
That, by thy guiding precepts led, 
Our feet the paths of truth may tread. 

2 Great source of light to all below ! 
Teach us thy holy will to know 5 
18* 



IS 



UXIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



Teach us to read thy word aright, 
And make it our supreme delight ; 
That, purged from vain desires, our mind 
In thee its only good may find. 

3 Maker, instructer, judge of all, 
O hear us when on thee we call ! 
To us, all-bounteous Lord, dispense 
Thy grace, and guiding influence ! 
Preserve us in thy holy Avays, 

And teach our hearts to speak thy praise ! [Merrick. 



Compassion of the Creator. Ps. cxiii. 
E saints and servants of the Lord, 



The triumphs of his Name record ; 
His sacred Name for ever bless : 
Where'er the circling sun displays 
His rising beams or setting rays, 

Due praise to his great Name address. 

2 God through the world extends his sway ; 
The regions of eternal day 

But shadovv's of his glory are : 
"With him whose majesty excels. 
Who made the heaven in which he dwells, 

Let no created power compare. 

3 Though 't is beneath his state to view 
In highest heaven what angels do. 

Yet he to earth vouchsafes his care ; 
He takes the needy from his cell. 
Advancing him in courts to dwell, 

Companion of the greatest there. 



HYMN 23. L. M. 6/. 




PtTBLIC WORSHIP. 



19 



HYMN 24. L. M. 6/. 

The Resurrection. (From the German.) 

VES, Jesus lives ! Ten thousand hearts 
Find rest from sorrow's keenest smarts 

By this blest truth — that Jesus lives ! 
Then pressing on in faith, will I 
To God th' Eternal lift my eye. 

Where Jesus, my Redeemer, lives! 

2 Oh ! nought my confidence shall shake — 
Nought, nought shall doubts or fears awake, 

For Jesus lives — so too shall I ! 
My Saviour, yes, in yonder heaven, 
Shalt thou to my rapt sight be given ; 

There, blest with thee, I ne'er shall die ! 

[*Mrs. C. M. Sawyer. 



HYMN 25. L. M. 

Praise. 

Q.REAT Parent ! oh, direct our ways. 
Exalt our hearts, accept our praise ; 
As children on a father dear. 
We humbly wait thy presence here. 

2 Thy power, thy goodness, and thy might, 
Proclaim thee great and infinite 

Thy wisdom in each gift we see — 
The spacious earth is full of thee. 

3 From day to day, from night to night, 
Thou givest us warmth, and lendst us light ; 
The teeming earth and spreading sky, 
Yield to each want a rich supply. 



20 



rXIVERSALIST MAXTAL. 



4 Thy sov'reign grace the Saviour chose 
To cleanse our guilt, relieve our woes, 
To thrust back dark'ning error's sway, 
And guide us in the heavenly way. 

5 Ye valleys ! shout with cheerful voice ! 
Ye budding mountain-top rejoice : 
Praise ! echo through fhe hills afar. 
And sparkle in each twinkling star ! 

6 For Christ has saved us from distress ; 
Give then the fruits of righteousness ] 
To him unceasing anthems raise 

In songs of everlasting praise. [^;>irs. s. a. Dovme. 

HY]\IX 26. L. 

Mercy and Truth, Ps. cxxxvi. 

^RTE to our God immortal praise ! 

^lercy and truth are all his ways : 
Wonders of grace to God belong, 
Eepeat his mercies in your song. 

2 He fills the sun with morning light, 
He bids the moon direct the night : 
His mercies ever shall endure, 

AVhen suns and moons shall shine no more. 

3 He sent his Son, with power to save 
From guilt, and darkness, and the grave ; 
Wonders of grace to God belong, 
Eepeat his mercies in your song. 

4 Through this vain v%-orld he guides our feet, 
And leads us to his heavenly seat ; 

His mercies ever shall endure, 

When this vain world shall be no more. fwatts. 



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21 



HYMN 27. L. M. 

Praise. 

A WAKE, our souls, with rapture sing, 
The honours of our heavenly King. 
Let every heart exult with joy, 
And praises every tongue employ. 

2 Beyond this vale of death and wo, 
Where sins and sickening sorrows grow, 
Our ardent souls Avould wing their flight 
To blissful climes of cloudless light. 

3 There the redeemed shall joyful meet, 
And in eternal friendship greet ; 
There join the glorious choir above. 

To chant the ceaseless song of love. 

4 Yet, while our spirits longer stay. 
Bound in this prison-house of clay ; 
Still doomed awhile on earth to roam ; 
Detained, still longer from our home ; 

5 We'll trust our Father's guardian hand, 
To guide us through this desert land. 

To that blest home of rest and peace, 
Where joys abound, and sorrows cease. 

[*Mary P. Van Schaack. 

HYMN 28. L. M. 

Praise. 

j^OW let our ardent voices raise. 

In joyful songs of grateful praise, 
To him who reigns above the skies, 
The ancient of eternal davs ! 



22 



TTNIVERSALIST MANTTAL. 



2 E'er nature sprang to life and light, 
He in unrivalled glory shone ; 

And robed in majesty and might, 
Keigned self-existent, and alone ! 

3 His sov'reign mandate went abroad ; 
Let every heart his praise rehearse ; 

And straightway from the hand of God, 
Sprang forth a new-born universe ! 

4 Unbounded wisdom is displayed, 
Where'er we turn our wond'ring eyes ; 

And all the works his hands have made 
Declare his love that never dies. 

5 ^Vhy then should fears disturb the mind, 
Or doubts perplex the anxious breast 1 

Our Father ne'er can be unkind — 
0, be his name for ever blest ! 

CHORUS. 

6 Praise God from whom all blessings flow, 
Ye heavenly hosts around his throne ; 

Praise him all creatures here below, 

And make his boundless mercies known. 

HYMN 29. L. M. 

Praise. — The Seasons. 

J^TERXAL source of every joy ! 

Well may thy praise our lips employ 5 
"While in thy temple we appear. 
To hail thee sov'reign of the year. 

2 Wide as the wheels of nature roll, 
Thy hand supports and guides the whole. 
The sun is taught by thee to rise, 
And darkness when to veil the skies. 



PUBLIC WORSHIP* 



23 



3 The flow'ry spring, at thy command, 
Perfumes the air, and paints the land. 
The summer rays with vigour shine. 
To raise the corn and cheer the vine. 

4 Thy hand in autumn richly pours 
Through all our coasts redundant stores ; 
And winters, softened by thy care, 

No more the face of horror wear. 

5 Seasons, and months, and weeks, and days, 
Demand successive songs of praise ; 

And be the grateful homage paid, 
With morning light and evening shade. 

6 Here in thy house let incense rise, 
And circling sabbaths bless our eyes. 
Till to those lofty heights we soar 
Where days and years revolve no more. 



►ME weary souls, with sins distressed, 



Come, and accept the promised rest 5 
The Saviour's gracious call obey, 
And cast your gloomy fears away. 

2 Oppressed with guilt, a painful load. 
Oh, come, and spread your woes abroad ; 
Divine compassion, mighty love. 

Will all the painful load remove. 

3 Here mercy's boundless ocean flows, 
To cleanse your guilt and heal your woes 5 
Pardon, and life, and endless peace 5 
How rich the gift ! how free the grace ! 



HYMN 30. L. M. 



Invitations of the Gospel. 




TTXIYERSALIST MANUAL. 



4 Lord, we accept with thankful heart, 
The hope thy gracious words impart ; 
We come with trembling, yet rejoice, 
And bless the kind, inviting voice. 

5 Dear Saviour ! let thy powerful love 
Confirm our faith, our fears remove , 
And sweetly influence every breast, 
And guide us to eternal rest. 

HYMX 31. L. M. 

Supplication. 

QH King of earth, and air, and sea ! 

The hungry ravens cry to thee ; 
To thee the scaly tribes that sweep 
The bosom of the boundless deep I 

2 To thee the lions roaring call, 
The common Father, kind to all! 

Then grant thy servants, Lord ! we pray, 
Our daily bread from da^^ to day : 

3 The fishes may for food complain; 
The ravens spread their wings in vain ; 
The roarinsf lions lack and pine, 

But God! thou carest still for thine ! 

4 Thy bounteous hand with food can bless 
The bare and lonely wilderness ; 

And thou hast taught us, Lord! to pray 
For daily bread from day to day ! 

5 And oh ! when through the wilds we roam, 
That part us from our heavenly home ; 
When, lost in danger, want, and wo, 

Our faithless tears begin to flow ; 



PUBLIC WORSHIP. 



25 



6 Do thou thy gracious comfort give, 

By which alone the soul may live 5 

And grant thy servants, Lord, we pray, 

The bread of life from day to day ! [Bishop Heber. 

HYMN 32. L. M. 

Pleasures of Public Worship. 

JJOW pleasant, how divinely fair, 

Lord of hosts, thy dwellings are ! 
With long desire my spirit faints. 
To meet th' assemblies of thy saints. 

2 My flesh would rest in thine abode 5 
My panting heart cries out for God ; 
My God ! my King ! why should I be 
So far from all my joys and thee % 

3 The sparrow chooses where to rest, 
And for her young provides her nest ; 
But will my God to sparrows grant 
That pleasure which his children want ! 

4f Blest are the souls, who find a place 
"Within the temple of thy grace ; 
There they behold thy gentler rays, 
And seek thy face, and learn thy praise. 

5 Blest are the men whose hearts are set 
To find the way to Zion's gate ; 

God is their strength ; and through the road 
They lean upon their helper, God. 

6 Cheerful they walk with growing strength, 
Till all shall meet in heaven at lengthy 

Till all before thy face appear. 
And join in nobler worship there. [Watta. 
19 



tTNIVEESALIST MANUAI,. 



HYMN 33. L. M. 

Omnipresence of God, 

pATHER of all, omniscient mind, 

Thy wisdom who can comprehend ? 
Its highest point what eye can find. 
Or to its lowest depths descend % 

2 If up to heaven's ethereal height, 
Thy prospect to elude, I rise. 

In splendour, there supremely bright. 
Thy presence shall my sight surprise. 

3 Thee, mighty God, my wondering soul, 
Thee, all her conscious powers adore. 

Whose being circumscribes the whole. 
Whose eyes the universe explore. 

4 Thine essence fills this breathing frame , 
It glows in every vital part. 

Lights up our souls with livelier flame. 
And feeds with life each beating heart. 

5 To thee, from whom our being came. 
Whose smile is all the heaven we know 

Inspired with this exalted theme. 

To thee our grateful strains shall flow. [Biackiock. 

HYMN 34. L. M. 
Praise. 

^ GOD, thou art my God alone, 

Early to thee my soul shall cry, 
A pilgrim in a land unknown, 

A thirsty land whose springs are dry. 



PUBLIC WORSHIP. 



S7 



2 Oh ! that it were as it hath been, 
When praying in the holy place, 

Thy power and glory I have seen, 

And marked the footsteps of thy grace ! 

3 Yet through this rough and thorny maze 
I follow hard on thee my God 5 

Thine hand, unseen, upholds my ways, 
I safely tread where thou hast trod. 

4 Thee, in the watches of the night, 
Will I remember on my bed ; 

Thy presence makes the darkness light. 
Thy guardian wings are round my head. 

5 Better than life itself thy love, 
Dearer than all beside to me 5 

For whom have I in heaven above, 

Or what on earth compared with Thee 1 

6 Praise with my heart, my mind, my voice, 
Will I for all thy mercies give ; 

My soul shall still in God rejoice. 

My tongue shall bless thee while I live. 

[Montgomery. 

HYMN 35. L. M. 

The Heavens declare the Glory of God. 

'jpHE spacious firmament on high, 
With all the blue, ethereal sky. 
And spangled heavens, a shining frame, 
Their great Original proclaim. 

2 The golden sun, from day to day, 
Does his Creator's power display, 
And publishes to every land. 
The work of an Almighty hand. 



28 



TTNIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



3 Soon as the evening shades prevail, 
The moon takes up the wondrous tale, 
And, nightly, to the listening earth, 
Eepeats the story of her birth : — 

4 While all the stars, that round her burn, 
And all the planets, in their turn. 
Confirm the tidings as they roll. 

And spread the truth from pole to pole. 

5 What though, in solemn silence, all 
Move round this dark, terrestrial ball 1 
What though no real voice nor sound 
Amid their radiant orbs be found 1 

6 In reason's ear they all rejoice. 
And utter forth a glorious voice , 
For ever singing as they shine, 

" The hand that made us is divine." 



HYMN 36. L. P. M. 6/. 

God Manifest in his Works* 

^^JHEAT God, the heaven's well ordered-frame, 

Declares the glories of thy name ; 

There thy rich works of wonder shine ! 
A thousand starry beauties there, 
A thousand radiant marks appear 

Of boundless power and skill divine. 

2 From night to day, from day to night, 
The dawning and the dying light 

Lectures of heavenly wisdom read ; 
With silent eloquence they raise 
Our thoughts to our Creator's praise, 

And neither sound nor language need. 



PUBLIC WORSHIP. 



29 



3 Yet their divine instructions run 
Far as the journeys of the sun, 

And every nation knows their voice. 
The sun, in robes of splendour dressed, 
Breaks from the chambers of the east, 

Eolls round, and makes the earth rejoice. 

4 Where'er he spreads his beams abroad, 
He smiles, and speaks his maker, God : 

All nature joins to show thy praise : 
Thus God in every creature shines ; 
Fair is the book of nature's lines, 

But fairer is the book of grace. 



HYMN 37. L. P. M. 6/. 

Divine Glory. 

nPHOU art, God, the life and light 

Of all this wondrous world we see ; 
Its glow by day, its smile by night, 

Are but reflections caught from thee. 
Where'er we turn, thy glories shine. 
And all things fair and bright are thine. 

2 When day, with farewell beam, delays 
Among the opening clouds of even. 

And we can almost think we gaze 

Through golden vistas into heaven — 
Those hues, that make the sun's decline 
So soft, so radiant, Lord, are thine, 

3 When night, with wings of starry gloom, 
O'ershadows all the earth and skies. 

Like some dark, beauteous bird, whose plum 
Is sparkling with unnumbered dies — 
19* 



UNIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



That sacred gloom, those fires divine, 
So grand, so countless, Lord, are thine. 

4 When youthful spring around us breathes, 

Thy spirit warms her fragrant sigh ; 
And every flower the summer wreathes 

Is born beneath thy kindling eye. 
Where'er we turn, thy glories shine. 
And all things fair and bright are thine. [Moore. 

HYMN 38. C. M. 

Reign of Christ. 

TESUS, his empire shall extend ; 

Beneath his gentle sway 
Kings of the earth shall humbly bend, 
And his commands obey. 

2 From sea to sea, from shore to shore, 
All nations shall be blest : 

We hear the noise of war no more j 
He gives his people rest. 

3 As rain descends in gentle showers 
In each returning spring, 

Awakes to life the fragrant flowers. 
And makes creation sing — 

4 So Jesus, by his heavenly grace. 
Descends on man below; 

His blessings on the human race 
In gentle currents flow. 

5 Long as the sun shall rule the day, 
Or moon shall cheer the night. 

The Saviour shall his sceptre sway, 
By love's resistless might. 



PUBLIC WORSHIP. 



SI 



6 All that the reign of sin destroyed 
Shall Zion's King restore, 

And from the treasures of the Lord, 
Give boundless blessings more. 



HYMN 39. C. M. 



Public Worship. 

Yy^HILE thee I seek, protecting Power, 

Be my vain wishes stilled ; 
And may this consecrated hour 
With better hopes be filled. 

2 Thy love the power of thought bestowed ; 
To thee my thoughts would soar ; 

Thy mercy o'er my life has flowed, 
That mercy I adore. 

3 In each event of life, how clear 
Thy ruling hand I see ! 

Each blessing to my soul more dear, 
Because conferred by thee. 

4 In every joy that crowns my days, 
In every pain I bear, 

My heart shall find delight in praise, 
Or seek relief in prayer. 

5 When gladness wings my favoured hour. 
Thy love my thoughts shall fill ; 

Eesigned when storms of sorrow lower, 
My soul shall meet thy will. 

6 My lifted eye, without a tear, 
The gathering storm shall see 

My steadfast heart shall know no fear ; 

That heart will rest on thee. [MiesM.H. wiiiiams. 



T:^"IVEESALIST MANtAi. 



HYilX 40. C. M. 

Public AVorsliip. 

J^JY soul, how lovely is the place 

To which thy God resorts ! 
'Tis heaven to see his smiling face, 
Though in his earthly courts. 

2 There the great monarch of the skies 
His saving power displays ; 

And light breaks in upon our eyes 
With kind and quick'ning rays. 

3 With his rich gifts, the heavenly Dove 
Descends and fills the place, 

While Christ reveals his wond'rous love. 
And sheds abroad his grace. 

4 There, mighty God, thy words declare 
The secrets of thy will ; 

And still we seek thy mercies there, 

And sing thy praises still. Vatts. 

HYIVIN 41. C. M. 

Trust in God. Ps. xxxiv. 

'THROUGH all the changing scenes of life, 

In trouble and in joy. 
The praises of my God shall still 
My heart and tongue employ. 

2 Of his deliv'rance I will boast. 

Till all that are distressed 
From my example comfort take, 

And charm their griefs to rest. j ^ 



PTJBLIC WORSHIP. 



33 



3 O magnify the Lord with me, 

With me exalt his name : 
When in distress to him I called, 

He to my rescue came. 

4« The Angel of the Lord encamps 

Around the good and just, 
Deliv'rance he affords to all 

Who on his succour trust. 

5 make but trial of his love, 
Experience will decide 

How blest they are, and only they, 
Who in his truth confide. 

6 Fear him, ye saints ; and you will then 
Have nothing else to fear ; 

Make you his service your delight, 

Your wants shall be his care. fTate&B 

HYMN 42. C. M. 

Praise. 

JOY to the world — ^the Lord is come ! 

Let earth receive her King 5 
Let every heart prepare him room. 
And heaven and nature sing. 

2 Joy to the earth — the Saviour reigns ! 
Let men their songs employ ; 

While fields, and floods, rocks, hills, and plains, 
Eepeat the sounding joy. 

3 No more let sins and sorrows grow, 
Nor thorns infest the ground 5 

He comes to make his blessings flow 
Far as the curse is found. 



34 



UNIYERSALIST MANTTAL. 



4 He rules the world with truth and grace, 

And makes the nations prove 
The glories of his righteousness, 

And wonders of his love. 

HYMN 43. L. M. 

Praise to the Creator. 

^OME, sound his praise abroad. 

And hymns of glory sing ; 
Jehovah is the sovereign God, 
The universal King. 

2 He formed the deeps unknoTvni ; 
He gave the seas their bound ; 

The watery worlds are all his own. 
And all the solid ground. 

3 Come, worship at his throne ; 
Come, bow before the Lord ; 

We are his work, and his alone , 
He formed us by his word. 

4 To-day attend his voice, 
Nor more provoke his rod ; 

Come, make his heavenly paths your choice 
And own your gracious God. 

HYMN 44. S. M. 

Praise to God. 

Yy^HEN I survey this world 

With all its beauteous frame, 
Its great Creator I adore, 
And celebrate his name. 



PUBLIC WORSHIP. 



35 



2 The boundless whole displays 
The wonders of the Lord : 

All nature echoes with his praise, 
And be his name adored. 

3 The sun in ev'ry beam 
Proclaims the God above: 

Its ardent rays exhibit him, 
Who rules the worlds in love. 

4 The lofty stars by night, 
The moon with paler glow. 

In every twinkling ray of light. 
Their Maker's honour show. 

5 The universal whole 
Proclaims Jehovah's praise ; 

And that ev'ry living soul 
Would songs of honour raise. 

6 The worlds were made in love. 
By wisdom all divine ; 

And while in praise my tongue can move, 

That praise, Lord, be thine ! [Proud. 

HYMN 45. S. M. 

Praise to the Creator. Ps. ciii. 

Q BLESS the Lord, my soul. 

His grace to thee proclaim , 
And all that is within me, join 
To bless his holy Name. 

2 bless the Lord, my soul, 

His mercies bear in mind ; 
Forget not all his benefits, 

Who is to thee so kind. 



UNIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



3 He pardons all thy sins, 
Prolongs thy feeble breath ; 

He healeth thine infirmities, 
And ransoms thee from death. 

4 He feeds thee with his love. 
Upholds thee with his truth ; 

And, like the eagle's, he renews 
The vigour of thy youth. 

5 Then, bless the Lord, my soul, ■ 
His grace, his love proclaim : 

Let all that is within me, join 

To bless his holy Name. [Tate & Brady. 

HYMN 46. S. M. 

Blessing of the Gospel. 

TJOW beauteous are their feet, 

Who stand on Zion's hill ! 
Who bring salvation on their tongues, 
And words of peace reveal. 

2 How charming is their voice, 
How sweet the tidings are ! 

" Zion, behold thy Saviour King, 
He reigns and triumphs here." 

3 How happy are our ears, 
That hear this joyful sound. 

Which kings and prophets waited for. 
And sought, but never found ! 

4" How blessed are our eyes, 

That see this heavenly light ; 
Prophets and kings desired it long. 

But died without the sight. 



PUBLIC WORSHIP. 



5 The watchmen join their voice 
And tuneful notes employ ; 

Jerusalem breaks forth in songs, 
And deserts learn the joy. 

6 The Lord makes bare his arm 
Through all the earth abroad ; 

Let every nation now behold 
Their Saviour, and their God. 

HYMN 47. S. M. 

God our Shepherd. 

T\/'HILE God my Father's near. 
My Shepherd and my Guide, 

1 bid farewell to every fear ; 

My wants are all supplied. 

2 To ever-fragrant meads, 
Where rich abundance grows, 

His gracious hand indulgent leads, 
And guards my sweet repose. 

3 Along the lovely scene, 
Cool waters gently roll. 

And kind refreshment smiles serene, 
To cheer my fainting soul. 

4 Here let my spirit rest ; 
How sweet a lot is mine ! 

With pleasure, food, and safety blest 
Beneficence divine ! 

5 Great Shepherd, if I stray. 
My wandering feet restore ; 

To thy fair pastures guide my way, 
And let me rove no more. 

20 



38 



UKIVEKSALIST MANTTAL. 



HY:\IN 48. S. M. 

Gratitude and Praise. 

lyrY Maker, and my King, 

To thee my all I owe : 
Thy soy'reign bounty is the spring 
Whence all my blessings flow. 

2 Thou ever good and kind, 
A thousand reasons move, 

A thousand obligations bind 
My heart to grateful love. 

3 Thy goodness, like the sun, 
Dawned on my early days, 

Ere infant reason had begun 
To form my lips to praise. 

4 The creature of thy hand, 
On thee alone I live ; 

My God, thy benefits demand 
More praise than life can give. 

5 let thy grace inspire 

My soul with strength di\dne ; 
Let all my powers to thee aspire, 

And all my days be thine. [Steele. 

HYMN 49. S. M. 

Praise to the Creator. 

A LMIGHTY Maker, God, 

How wondrous is thy name I 
Thy glories how diffused abroad 
Through all creation's frame ! 



PUBLIC WORSHIP. 



2 Nature in every dress 
Her humble homage pays ; 

In thousand forms her ways express 
Thine undissembled praise. 

3 My soul would rise and sing 
To her Creator too : 

Fain would my tongue adore my King 
And pay the homage due, 

4 In joy, 0, let me spend 
The remnant of my days 

And oft to God my soul ascend 
In grateful songs of praise ! 

HYMN 50. S. M. 

Universal Redemption. 

TN God's eternity, 

There shall a day arise, 
When all of Adam's race shall be 
With Jesus in the skies. 

2 As night before the ray 
Of morning flees away, 

Sin shall retire before the blaze 
Of God's eternal day. 

3 As music fills the grove, 
When stormy clouds are past, 

Sweet anthems of redeeming love, 
Shall all employ at last. 

4 Eedeemed from death and sin, 
Shall Adam's num'rous race 

A ceaseless song of praise begin, 
And shout redeeming grace. 



TJNIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



HYMN 51. S. M. 

Trust in God. 

JJOW gracious is our God ! 

How kind his precepts are ! 
Come, cast your burden on the Lord, 
And trust his constant care. 

2 Since he for ever reigns, 
We may securely dwell ; 

That hand which bears all nature up 
Shall guide his children well. 

3 why should anxious thoughts 
Oppress the sinking mind 1 

Go, fall before your Father's throne, 
And sweet relief you'll find. 

4f Devoutly fear his name, 

And know no other fear ; 
In every scene of life and death 

Your Helper will be near. [Doddridge. 

HYMN 52. H. M, 6L 

Confidence in God. 

TJPWAED I lift mine eyes ; 

From God is all my aid — - 
The God that built the skies. 
And earth and nature made : 

God is the Tower to which I fly ; 

His grace is nigh in every hour. 

2 My feet shall never slide. 
And fall in fatal snares, 



PUBLIC WORSHIP. 



41 



Since God, my Guard and Guide, 
Defends me from my fears : 

Those wakeful eyes, that never sleep, 
Shall Israel keep when dangers rise. 

3 No burning heats by day, 
Nor blasts of evening air, 

Shall take my health away. 
If God be with me there : 

Thou art my Sun, and thou my Shade, 
To guard my head by night or noon. 

4 Hast thou not given thy word 
To save my soul from death % 

And I can trust my Lord 
To keep my mortal breath : 

I'll go and come, nor fear to die. 
Till from on high thou call me home. 



T ORD of the worlds above ! 

How pleasant and how fair 
The dwellings of thy love. 
Thy earthly temples are ! 

To thine abode my heart aspires. 
With warm desires, to see my God. 

2 To spend one sacred day. 

Where God and saints abide, 
Affords diviner joy. 

Than thousand days beside , 

Where God resorts, I love it more 
To keep the door than shine in courts. 



HYMN 53. H. M. 6/. 



Public Worship. 




20* 



CTNIVERSALIST MANTJAL. 



3 happy souls that pray 
Where God appoints to hear ! 
happy men that pay 
Their constant service there ! 

They praise thee still, and happy they, 
Who love the way to Zion's hill. 

4 They go from strength to strength, 
Through this dark vale of tears, 

Till each arrives at length, 

Till each in heaven appears. 

glorious seat ! when God our king 

Shall thither bring our willing feet ! [Watts. 

HYMN 54. H. M. 6/. 

Praise. 

^! FOR an angel's tongue, 

A seraph's holy fire, 
To join the rapturous song. 
Of heaven's immortal choir ; 

In praises to the God of love, 

Join all below, and all above. 

2 Great monarch of the day ; 
And thou, fair queen of night, 

Ye gems of milder ray. 
In harmony unite : 

Through all your bright ethereal frame, 
O chant your mighty Maker's name. 

3 Come youth with buoyant mind ; 
And hoary-headed sage : 

Come all of human kind, 
In lofty strains engage. 



PUBLIC WORSHIP. 



Let ardent praise to God ascend ; 
To God the universal friend. 

4 Ye heavenly hosts on high, 

Who his full glory share, 
And all below the sky, 
The children of his care ; 

Throughout the wide extent of space, 
O shout the honours of his grace. [*h. 

HYMN 55. H. M. 6/. 

Praise. Ps. cxxxvi. 

n^O God, the mighty Lord, 

Your joyful thanks repeat ; 

To him due praise afford, 
As good as he is great : 

For God does prove our constant friend 
His boundless love shall never end. 

2 To him, whose wondrous power 
All other gods obey, 

Whom earthly kings adore, 
Your grateful homage pay : 

For God does prove our constant friend 
His boundless love shall never end. 

3 He, in our depth of woes. 
On us with favour thought ; 

And from our cruel foes 

In peace and safety brought : 

For God does prove our constant friend 
His boundless love shall never end. 

4f He does the food supply 
On which all creatures live : 



44 



TJNIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



To God who reigns on high, 
Eternal praises give. 

For God will prove our constant friend 5 
His boundless love shall never end. 



Above the starry frame : 

Your voices raise, ye Cherubim 
And Seraphim, to sing his praise. 

2 Let all of highest birth. 
With those of humbler name, 

And judges of the earth, 

His matchless praise proclaim. 

In this design, let youths with maids, 
And hoary heads, with children join. 

3 United zeal be shown 

His wondrous fame to raise 
Whose glorious name alone 
Deserves our endless praise : 

Earth's utmost ends his power obey ; 

His glorious sway the sky transcends. 

4 His chosen saints to grace 
He sets them up on high 5 

And favours Israel's race. 
Who still to him are nigh : 

therefore raise your grateful voice, 
And still rejoice the Lord to praise \ 



HYMN 56. H. M. 61. 



Praise. Ps. cxlviii. 



Exalt your Maker's fame , 
His praise your song employ 




PUBLIC WORSHIP. 



45 



HYMN 57. 7s M. 

Supplication. 

'Y^/'HEN before thy throne we kneel, 

Filled with awe and holy fear, 
Teach us, our God, to feel 
All thy sacred presence near. 

2 Check each proud and wandering thought 
When on thy great name we call ; 

Man is nought — is less than nought : 
Thou our God, art all in all. 

3 Weak, imperfect creatures, we 
In this vale of darkness dwell j 

Yet presume to look to thee 
'Midst thy light ineffable. 

4' 0, receive the praise that dares 

Seek thy heaven-exalted throne ; 
Bless our sufferings, hear our prayers, 

Infinite and Holy One ! IBowring. 

HYMN 58. 75 M. 

Evening Supplication. 

gOFTLY now the light of day 
Fades upon my sight away ; 
Free from care, from labour free, 
Lord, I would commune with thee 1 

2 Thou, whose all-pervading eye 

Nought escapes, without, within, 
Pardon each infirmity. 

Open fault, and secret sin. 



46 



rXIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



3 Soon, for me, the light of day 
Shall for ever pass away ; 
Then, from sin and sorrow free, 
Take me, L ord, to dwell with thee. 

HYMN 59. 8 & 7 M. 

Supplication. 

QOIME, thou long-expected Jesus, 

Born to set thy people free, 
From our fears and sins release us 5 
Let us find our rest in thee : 

2 Israel's strength and consolation, 
Hope of all our souls thou art ; 

Dear desire of every nation, 
Joy of every longing heart. 

3 Born, thy people to deliver, 
Born a child — and yet a king ,* 

Born to reign in us for ever, 

Now thy precious kingdom bring. [Hart 

HYMN 60. 7^ M. 

Praise. 

j^OW begin the heavenly theme. 

Sing aloud in Jesus' name : 
Ye, who his salvation prove, 
Triumph in redeeming love. 

2 Ye, who see the Father's grace 
Beaming in the Saviour's face, 
As to Canaan on ye move, 
Praise and bless redeeming love. 



PUBLIC WORSHIP, 



47 



3 Welcome, all by sin oppressed, 
Welcome to his sacred rest : 
Nothing brought him from above, 
Nothing but redeeming love. 

4 When his spirit leads us home, 
When we to his glory come, 
We shall all the fulness prove 
Of our Lord's redeeming love. 

5 Hither, then, your music bring, 
Strike aloud each cheerful string ; 
Mortals, join the host above. 

Join to praise redeeming love. iRippon's coil 

HYMN 61. 8 & 7. M. 

Salvation. 

JJAIL, the God of our salvation, 
Triumph in redeeming love ! 
Let us all, with exultation, 
Imitate the blest above. 

2 Light of those whose dreary dwelling 
Bordered on the shades- of death, 

He hath, by his grace revealing. 
Scattered all the clouds beneath. 

3 Father, source of all compassion, 
Pure, unbounded love thou art ; 

Hail, the God of our salvation. 
Praise him, every thankful heart ! 

4 Joyfully on earth adore him. 
Till in heaven we take our place ; 

There, enraptured, fall before him^ 
Lost in wonder, love and praise. 



48 



TNIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



HYMN 62. 8 & 7. M. 

Goodness of God. Ps. cxlv. 

^OD, my king, thy might confessing. 

Ever will I bless thy name ; 
Day by day thy throne addressing, 
Still will I thy praise proclaim. 

2 Full of kindness and compassion, 
Slow to anger, vast in love, 

God is good to all creation; 

All his works his goodness prove. 

3 Thou to all, great God of nature, 
Givest in season due their food ; 

Spreadst thy hand, and every creature 
Satisfiest still with good. 

4 Still, Jehovah, thee confessing, 
Shall my tongue thy praise proclaim. 

And may all mankind with blessing 

Ever hail thy holy name. txate & Brady. 

HYMN 63. 8 & 7. M. 

Praise. 

gOVEREIGN Lord of light and glory, 

Author of our mortal frame, 
Joyfully we bow before thee. 
And extol thy holy name : 

Hallelujah ! 
Ever sacred be the theme i 

2 Kind dispenser of each blessing 
Which surrounds the human race, 



PUBLIC WORSHIP. 



May we, gratefully possessing-, 
Still adore thy boundless grace : 

Hallelujah! 
Praise to God, immortal praise ! 

3 In thy every dispensation. 
Love and mercy we descry ; 

Thou, the God of our salvation, 
To preserve us, still art nigh : 

Hallelujah! 
Glory be to God on high. 

HYMN 64. 8 & 7 M. 

Close of Service. 

T ORD, dismiss us Avith thy blessing; 

Fill our hearts with joy and peace 
Let us each, thy love possessing. 
Triumph in redeeming grace : 

0, refresh us, &c. 
Travelling through this wilderness ! 

2 Thanks we give, and adoration, 
For thy gospel's joyful sound; 

May the fruits of thy salvation 
In our hearts and lives abound ! 

Ever faithful, &:c. 
To the truth may we be found ! 

3 So, whene'er the signal's given, 
Us from earth to call away, 

Borne on angels' wings to heaven, 
Glad the summons to obey. 

May we ever, &;c. 
Eeign with Christ in endless day ! 

21 



VNIVEKSALIST MANUAL. 



HYMN 65. 8 & 7 M. 



Praise. James, i. 17. 



^VEEY perfect gift and blessing, 



Comes descending from above, 
From the Father's grace unceasing; 
Source of light, and fount of love. 

2 All things here are in commotion; 

Changing as the wind that blows ; 
Eestless as the troubled ocean; 
He no variation knows. 

3 Through all time's successive measure, 
Still Jehovah is the same ; 

Still performing all his pleasure, 
Blessed be his glorious name. 

4 Power with love for ever blended, 
All creation still sustains ; 

Let all anxious care be ended, 
Love with power for ever reigns. 

5 Praise — for every perfect blessing 
Comes descending from above ; 

Praise the Father without ceasing ; 
Source of light and fount of love. 



TESUS, I my cross have taken, 

All to leave and follow thee ; 
Naked, poor, despised, forsaken, 
Thou from hence, my all shall be ; 



HYMN 66. 8 & 7 M. 



The Christian's Portion. 




PUBLIC WORSHIP. 



Perish every fond ambition, 

All I've sought, or hoped, or known, 
Yet how rich is my condition, 

God and heaven are still my own. 

2 Go, then, earthly fame and treasure, 
Come, disaster, scorn, and pain 5 

In God's service, pain is pleasure, 

With his favour loss is gain. 
I have called thee, Abba, Father ! 

I have set my heart on thee ; 
Storms may howl, and clouds may gather, 

All must work for good to me. 

3 Man may trouble and distress me, 
'Twill but drive me to thy breast ; 

Life with trials hard may press me, 
Heaven will bring me sweeter rest. 

Oh ! 't is not in grief to harm me, 
While thy love is left to me 5 

Oh ! 'twere not in joy to charm me. 
Were that joy unmixed with thee. 

4 Soul, then know thy full salvation, 
Rise o'er sin, and fear, and care — 

Joy to find in every station, 
Something still to do or bear ; 

Think what Spirit dwells within thee ; 
Think what Father's smiles are thine , 

Think that Jesus died to win thee , 
Child of heaven canst thou repine % 

5 Haste thee on from grace to glory. 
Armed by faith and winged by prayer 5 

Heaven's eternal day's before thee, 
God's own hand shall guide thee there. 



UXIYEESALIST MA^-^.1L. 



Soon shall close thine earthly mission, 

Soon shall pass thy pilgrim days ; 
Hope shal] change to glad fruition, 

Faith to sight, and prayer to praise. [Grant 



HYMX 67. 8 & 7 

Praise. 

l^riGHTY God, while angels bless thee, 

I\Iay not mortals lisp thy name 1 
Lord of men, as well as angels, 
Thou art every creature's theme. 

2 Lord of every land and nation, 
Ancient of eternal days. 

Sounded through the wide creation 
Be thy just and worthy praise — 

3 For the grandeur of thy nature, 
Grand beyond a seraph's thought — 

For created works of power, 

Works with skill and kindness ^\TOUght — 

4 For thy providence, that governs 
Through thine empire's wide domain, 

"Wings an angel, guides a sparrow ; 
Glory to thy gentle reign. 

5 But thy rich, thy free redemption. 
Beams with brightness all along ; 

Thought is poor, and poor expression ; 

Who can sing this glorious song 1 [Robinson 



PrBLIC WORSHIP. 



HYMN 68. S. M. 

Close of Service. 

^0 God, the only wise. 

Our Saviour and our King-, 
Let all the saints below the skies. 
Their humble praises bring. 

2 He will present our souls. 
Unblemished and complete, 

Before the glory of his face, 
With joys divinely great. 

3 To God, the only wise, 
All majesty belongs ; 

And be his power and grace adored 

In everlasting songs ! [Watts, 

HYMN 69. H. M. 6/. 

Close of Service. 

J^IND Lord, before thy face 
Again, with joy, we bow. 
For all the gifts and grace 
Thou dost on us bestow : 
Our tongues would all thy love proclaim, 
And chant the honours of thy name. 

2 Here, in thine earthly house, 

Our joyful souls have met; 
Here paid our solemn vows. 
And felt our union sweet ; 
For this our tongues thy love proclaim, 
And chant the honours of thy name. ^ - ^ 

21* 



54 



T7XITERSALIST MAXUAL. 



3 Thy truth, like ointment shed, 

Hath breathed a choice perfume ; 
Thy light, divinely spread, 

Hath broke the darksome gloom: 
For this our tongues thy love proclami, 
And chant the honours of thy name. 

4- Now may we dwell in peace 

Till here again we come ; 
And may our love increase 

Till thou shalt guide us home : 
Then shall our tongues thy love proclaim, 
And chant the honours of thy name. 



ORD, now we part in thy blest name, 



In which we here together came, 
Grant us our few remaining days, 
To do thy will, and spread thy praise. 

2 Teach us in life and death to bless 
The Lord, our strength and righteousness 
And grant us all to meet above, 
To praise in higher strains of love. 



HY:\IN 70. L. M. 



Close of Service. 




HYMN 71. 6^, 6.?, & 4s. 



Close of Semce. 



Help us thy name to sing, 
Help us to praise ! 
Father all-glorious, 



QO:\IE, thou Almighty King, 



PUBLIC WORSHIP. 



O'er all victorious, 
Come and reign over us, 
Ancient of days ! 

2 Be thou our comforter ; 
Thy sacred witness bear 

In this glad hour ; 
Omnipotent thou art ; 
Then rule in every heart, 
And ne'er from us depart, 

Spirit of power ! 

3 Holy One ! to thee 
Eternal praises be 

Hence, evermore ! 
Thy sov'reign majesty 
May we in glory see 
And to eternity 

Love and adore. 

HYMN 72. C. M. 

Invocation. 

QOME, holy Spirit, heavenly Dove, 
With all thy quickening powers; 
Kindle a flame of sacred love 
In these cold hearts of ours. 

2 Look, how we grovel here below, 
Fond of these trifling toys 3 

Our souls can neither fly nor go 
To reach eternal joys. 

3 In vain we tune our formal songs, 
In vain we strive to rise ; 

Hosannas languish on our tongues, 
And our devotion dies. 



56' 



rXIVERSALIST MAXrAL. 



4 Dear Lord, and shall we ever live 
At this poor dying rate \ 

Our love so faint, so cold to thee, 
And thine to us so great \ 

5 Come, holy Spirit, heavenly Dove, 
With all thy quick'ning powers ; 

Come, shed abroad a Saviour's love, 

And that shall kindle ours. [Watts. 

HYilN 73. C. M. 

Reign of Christ. 

y ! what a glorious sight appears ^ 

To our believing eyes ! 
The earth and seas are passed away, 
And the old rolling skies. 

'2 From the third heaven, where God resides, 

That holy, happy place. 
The Xev.' Jerusalem comes do^^ii, 

Adorned with shining grace. 

3 Attending angels shout for joy, 

And the bright armies sing, 
"Mortals, behold the sacred seat 

Of your descending King." 

His own soft hand shall wipe the tears 
From every weeping eye. 
And pains, and groans, and griefs, and fears, 
And death itself shall die. 

5 How long, dear Saviour, how long ! 

Shall this bright, hour delay ] 
Fly swifter round, ye wheels of time, 

And bring the welcome day. rwatta. 



CHRISTMAS. 



CHRISTMAS. 
HYMN 74. 7s M. 

The Lord is Come. 

-y^ATCHMAN ! tell us of the night, 

What its signs of promise are j 

Trav'ler ! o'er yon mountain's height, 
See that glory-beaming star ! 

Watchman ! does its beauteous ray 
Aught of hope or joy foretell 1 

Trav'ler ! yes ; it brings the day, 
Promised day of Israel ! 

2 Watchman ! tell us of the night. 
Higher yet that star ascends : 

Trav'ler ! blessedness and light, 

Peace and truth its course portends 

Watchman ! will its beams alone 
Gild the spot that gave them birth 1 

Trav'ler ! ages are its o^vn, 

See ! it bursts o'er all the earth. 

3 Watchman ! tell us of the night, 
For the morning seems to dawn ; 

Trav'ler ! darkness takes its flight, 
Doubt and terror are withdrawn! 

Watchman ! let thy wand'ring cease, 
Hie thee to thy quiet home: 

Trav'ler ! lo ! the Prince of Peace, 
Lo ! the Son of God is come ! 



58 



UXIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



HYMN 75. 8 & 7 M. 

The Birth of Christ. 

"Y^^HILE their flocks the shepherds tended, 

In the evening soft and clear ; 
Golden-winged, from heaven descended, 

Flamed a holy angel near. 
Heavenly stranger ! heavenly stranger ! heavenly 

stranger ! All hail ! 
L\ow with mildest accents bending, 

Thus he calmed the shepherds' fear : — 

2 " Gentle shepherds, fear no danger. 
But with gladness go your way 5 

Seek, seek him in a manger — 

Christ, the Lord, is born to-day." 
Shout hosanna ! shout hosanna! shout hosanna! 
Amen ! 

" Lo, I bring you joyful tidings, 
Christ, the Lord, is born to-day !" 

3 See, with noiseless wings assemble. 
Light-encircled Seraphim ; 

Now th' empyrean arches tremble 

AVith the holy angel's hymn: 
God of glory ! God of glory! God of glory! Amen. 
" Lo the smiles of heaven are beaming 

Peace on earth, good will to men." 

4 Now the seraph-choir ascending, 
Fainter breathes the dying song. 

Till the theme, new rapture lending, 

Swells with melody along — 
Hallelujah! hallelujah! hallelujah! Amen. 
Soft again — so far ascending, 

Through the skies, it dies along. [^h. stone. 



CHEISTMAS. 



HYMN 76. C. P. M. 

Reign of Christ. Isa. xxxv. 

npHE radiant dawn of gospel light, 
The prophet saw in vision bright, 

And hailed th' auspicious day, 
When Christ should all his grace disclose 
And cure the world of all its woes. 

By truth's triumphant sway. 

2 His prosp'rous reign shall still succeed — 
So hath Almighty love decreed — 

Let earth with anthems ring. 
The desert be no longer sad ; 
The solitary place be glad ; 

The wilderness shall sing. 

3 Carmel and Sharon too shall bring, 
Their honours to the new-born king, 

Whose reign shall never cease. 
Libanus, wave thy lofty plumes. 
For lo ! the king of Salem comes — 

Messiah ! prince of peace ! 

4 The feeble knee confirmed shall stand ; 
And nerved with strength the trembling hand 

Ye timid souls be brave. 
Let all your fears be banished hence ; 
Behold your God ! with recompense 

He comes — he comes to save. 

5 The blind their eyes shall open wide f 
To drink the light's o'erflowing tide. 

The deaf sweet music hear ; 
The lame like bounding hart shall leap ; 



TJNIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



The dumb no longer silence keep, 
But shout redemption near. 

6 And there shall be a holy way, 

In which the simple shall not stray — 

The path so plain and brig-ht. 
Way-faring" men therein shall walk, 
And of their home and kindred talk. 

With rapture and delight. 

7 No ravenous beast in quest of prey, 
Ko lion lurking in the way, 

Shall ever there be seen. 
The place where dragons lay concealed, 
Large crops of waving grass shall yield, 

With reeds and rushes green. 

8 And when to Zion's peaceful home, 
The ransomed of the Lord shall come; 

(0 haste the blissful day,) 
Glad strains shall every tongue employ, 
In songs of everlasting joy, 

And sighing flee away. [*Rayiier. 

HYMN 77. 8 & 7 M. 

Birth of Christ. 

TTARK ! what mean those holy voices. 

Sweetly sounding through the skies X 
Lo ! th' angelic host rejoices — 
Heavenly hallelujahs rise. 

2 Hear them tell the wondrous story, 

Hear them chant in hymns of joy. 
Glory in the highest — glory ! 

Glory be to God most high! 



CHRISTMAS. 



! 3 " Peace on earth — good will from heaven, 
j Reaching far as man is found ; 
! Souls redeemed, and sins forgiven" — 
Lord, our golden harps shall sound. 

4 Christ is born, the great anointed ; 

Heaven and earth his praises sing ! 
receive whom God appointed 
Ij For your prophet, priest and king. 

ij HYMN 78. 10 & 11 M. 

' The Infant Jesus. 

I "DRIGHTEST and best of the sons of the morning ! 
Daw^n on our darkness and lend us thine aid! 
Star of the East, the horizon adorning, 
Guide where our infant Redeemer is laid. 

' 2 Cold on his cradle the dewdrops are shining, 
lj Low lies his head with the beasts of the stall, 
I Angels adore him in slumber reclining, 
Mighty Redeemer and Saviour of all ! 

3 Say shall we yield him in costly devotion, 
Odours of Edom and offerings divine % 

Gems of the mountain and pearls of the ocean. 
Myrrh from the forest or gold from the mine 1 

4 Vainly we offer each ample oblation, 
Vainly with gifts w^ould his favour secure : 

Richer by far is the heart's adoration, 

Dearer to God are the prayers of the poor. 

5 Brightest and best of the sons of the morning, 
Dawn on our darkness and lend us thine aid ! 

Star of the East, the horizon adorning. 
Guide where our infant redeemer is laid ! 

[Bp. Heber. 



I 



62 



UXIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



HYMN 79. P. M. 6/. 

Birth of Christ. 

J^EHOLD the prince of peace! He comes, 

On wino-s of everlastino" love, 
And lo ! majestic — majestic anthems break, 

From briofht ano^elic tones above. 
Wave victorious — victorious conqueror wave, 
Thy banner o'er the boasting grave. 

2 Let mortals catch the lofty strain. 
And shout salvation through the earth : 

In loud hosannas — hosannas all rejoice, 
And hail with joy the Saviour's birth. 
Wave victorious, &c. 

3 He comes to break the chains of sin, 
And chase the mist of error's gloom : 

He comes to conquer — to conquer death, and throw 

Celestial splendours round the tomb. 
Wave victorious, &c. 

4 He comes, arrayed in power divine, 
The stern despoiler to destroy: 

He comes triumphant — triumphantly he comes 

To fill the universe with joy. 
Wave victorious, &:c. 

5 Then sound the anthem loud and long, 
Throughout creation's wide domain : 

Let heaven re-echo — re-echo through the skies. 

The notes first heard on Judea's plain. 
Shout glad tidings — glad tidings through the earth ; 
With rapture hail the Saviour's births [*h. spencer. 



CHRISTMAS. 



HYMN 80. H. M. 

Christ's Birth Proclaimed. 

JJARK ! what celestial notes, 

What melody we hear ! 
Soft on the morn it floats, 
And fills the ravished ear. 

The tuneful shell, the golden lyre. 
And vocal choir, the concert swell. 

2 Angelic hosts descend. 
With harmony divine ; 

See, how from heaven they bend. 
And in fall chorus join ! 

Fear not, say they ; great joy we bring: 
Jesus, your king, is born to-day. 

3 Glor^^ to God on high ! 

Ye mortals spread the sound. 
And let your raptures fly 

To earth's remotest bound ! 

For peace on earth, from God in heaven, 
To man is given, at Jesus' birth. 



COMMUNION. 
HYMN 81. S. M. 

Christian Unity, 

y^ET party names no more 

The Christian world o'erspread ; 
Gentile and Jew, and bond and free, 
Art one in Christ, their head. 



64 



TJNIYERSALIST MANUAL. 



2 Among the saints on earth 
Let mutual love be found ; 

Heirs of the same inheritance, 
^Yith mutual blessings crowned. 

3 Envy and strife be gone. 
And only kindness known ; 

While all one common Father have, 
One common master o\\ji. 

4 Thus will the church below 
Eesemble that above, 

Where springs of purest pleasure rise, 
And every heart is love 



And Christ invites us near ; 
With both, our friendship shall be sweet, 
And our communion dear. 

2 God pities all our griefs ; 
He pardons every day ; 

Almighty to protect our souls. 
And wise to guide our way. 

3 Jesus, our living head. 
We bless thy faithful care ; 

Our advocate before the throne, 
And our forerunner there ! 

4 Here fix my roving heart ! 
Here wait my warmest love ! 

Till the communion be complete 

In nobler scenes above. [Doddridge. 



HYMN 82. S. M. 



Invitations to the Table. 




COMMITNION. 



HYMN 83. L. M. 

This do in Remembrance of Me." 

AT, drink, in memory of your friend : 
Such was our Master's last request, 
Who all the pangs of death endured, 
That we might live for ever blest. 

2 Yes, we '11 record thy matchless love, 
Thou kindest, tenderest, best of friends : 

Thy dying love the noblest praise 
Our hearts can offer thee transcends. 

3 'Tis pleasure more than earth can give 
Thy goodness through these veils to see 

Thy table food celestial yields, 
And happy they who sit with thee. 

HYMN 84. C. M. 

This do in Remembrance of Me." 

JF human kindness meets return, 

And owns the grateful tie ; 
If tender thoughts within us burn, 
To feel a friend is nigh : 

2 Oh, shall not warmer accents tell 
The gratitude we owe 

To him who died, our fears to quell, 
Our more than orphan's wo ! 

3 While yet his anguished soul surveyed 
Those pangs he would not flee ; 

What love his latest words displayed- — 
"Meet and remember me !" 

22* 



66 



rNlVEESALIST MANTTAL. 



HYMN 85. 7s M. 6/. 

Eucharistical. 

IgEEAD of heaven ! on thee I feed, 

For thy flesh is meat, indeed : 
Ever may my soul be fed 
With this true and living bread : 

Day by day with strength supplied, 
Through the life of him who died. 

2 Vine of heaven! thy blood supplies, 

This blest cup of sacrifice. 

'Tis thy wounds my healing give : 

To thy cross I look and live. 

Thou, my life ! Oh ! let me be 
Eooted, grafted, built on thee ! 



SUNDAY SCHOOLS. 
HYMN 86. C. M. 

Children Blessed. 

XJOW large the promise, how divine. 

To Abram and his seed ! 
I'll be a God to thee and thine. 
Supplying all their need. 

2 The words of his extensive love 
From age to age endure; 

The angel of the promise proves, 
And seals the blessing sure. 

3 Jesus the ancient faith confirms, 
To our great fathers given ; 



SUNDAY SCHOOLS. 



67 



He takes young children in his arms, 
And calls them heirs of heaven. 

4< Our God, how faithful are his ways ! 

His love endures the same ; 
Nor from the promise of his grace 

Blots out the children's name. [Watts. 

HYMN 87. C. M. 

Early Piety. 

QOME, children, learn to fear the Lord; 

And, that your days be long, 
Let not a false or sinful word 
Be found upon your tongue. 

2 Depart from mischief, practise love, 
Pursue the works of peace ; 

So shall the Lord your ways approve, 
And set your souls at ease. 

3 His eye awakes to guard the just, 
His ear attends their cry ^ 

When broken spirits dwell in dust. 
The God of grace is nigh. 

4 What though the sorrows here they taste 
Are sharp and tedious too, 

The Lord, who saves them all at last, 

Is their supporter now. [Watts. 

HYMN 88. S. M. 

Our Offspring the Care of God. 

y^ORD, what our ears have heard 
Our eyes delighted trace j 



UNIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



Thy love in long succession sho\TO 
To Zion's chosen race. 

2 Our children thou dost claim, 
And mark them out for thine : 

Ten thousand blessings to thy name, 
For goodness so divine. 

3 Thee let the fathers own. 
And thee the sons adore ; 

Joined to the Lord in solemn vows, 
To be forgot no more. 

4 How great thy mercies, Lord ! 
How plenteous is thy grace, 

Which, in the promise of thy love. 
Includes our rising race ! 

HYMN 89. S. M. 

Early Instmction. 

T ET children learn the deeds 

Which God performed of old ; 
Which in our younger years we saw, 
And which our fathers told. 

2 He makes his glories known. 
His works of power and grace ; 

And we '11 convey his wonders down 
Through every rising race. 

3 We '11 tell them to our sons, 
And they again to theirs, 

That generations yet unborn 
May teach them to their heirs. 

4 Thus shall they learn in God 
Their hope securely stands, 



DEDICATION OF CHILDREN. 



69 



That they may still record his works, 

And practise his commands. [-watts. 



DEDICATION OF CHILDREN. 
HYMN 90. C. M. 

Dedication of Children. 

TO, Israel's gentle Shepherd stands 

With all-engaging charms ; 
See how he takes the tender lambs, 
And folds them in his arms ! 

2 Permit them to approach, he cries, 
Nor scorn their humble name ; 

It was to bless such souls as these 
The Lord of glory came. 

3 We bring them, Lord, in thankful hands, 
And yield them up to thee ; 

Joyful that we ourselves are thine. 
Thine let our offspring be. 

4« Ye little flock, with pleasure hear ; 

Ye children, seek his face ; 
And fly with transport to receive 

The blessings of his grace. 

5 If orphans they are left behind, 

Thy guardian care we trust ; 
That care shall heal our bleeding hearts. 

If weeping o'er their dust. 



70 



TOIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



FUNERAL SERVICES. 
HYMN 91. L. M. 

Hope in the Resurrection. 

TTNVEIL thy bosom, faithful tomb, 

Take this new treasure to thy trust ; 
And give these sacred relics room, 
To seek a slumber in the dust. 

2 Nor pain, nor grief, nor anxious fear 
Invade thy bounds. No mortal woes 

Can reach the peaceful sleeper here, 
While angels watch the soft repose. 

3 So Jesus slept ; — God's dying Son 

Passed through the grave, and blest the bed , 
Eest here, blest saint, till from his throne 
The morning break, and pierce the shade. 

4 Break from his throne, illustrious morn , 
Attend, earth! his sovereign wordj 

Restore thy trust — a glorious form — 

Called to ascend and meet the Lord. rwatts. 

HYMN 92. C. M. 

Trust in God. 

T\EATH cannot make our souls afraid, 

If God be with us there ; 
We may walk through its darkest shade, 
And never yield to fear. 

2 I could renounce my all below 

If my Creator bid ; 
And run, if I were called to go 

And die as Moses did. 



FUNERAL SERVICES. 



71 



3 Might I but climb to Pisgah's top, 
And view the promised land ; 

My flesh itself would long to drop, 
And pray for the command. 

4 Clasped in my heavenly Father's arms, 
I would forget my breath ; 

And lose my life amid the charms 
Of so divine a death. 



"pAR from these scenes of night 

Unbounded glories rise, 
And realms of infinite delight. 
Unknown to mortal eyes. 

2 There sickness never comes ; 
There grief no more complains ; 

Health triumphs in immortal bloom, 
And purest pleasure reigns. 

3 No strife nor envy there 
The sons of peace molest ; 

But harmony and love sincere 
Fill every happy breast 

4 No cloud those regions know. 
For ever bright and fair ; 

For sin, the source of mortal wo. 
Can never enter there. 

5 may this prospect fire 
Our hearts with ardent love, 

And lively faith and strong desire 
Bear every thought above. 



HYMN 93. S. M. 



Glories of Heaven. 




72 



UNIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



HYMN 94. C. M. 

Death of a Child. 

y^lFE is a span, a fleeting hour ; 

How soon the vapour flies ! 
Man is a tender, transient flower, 
That in the blooming dies. 

2 The once-loved form, now cold and dead, 
Each mournful thought employs. 

And nature weeps her comforts fled, 
And withered all her joys. 

3 Hope looks beyond the bounds of time, 
When what we now deplore 

Shall rise in full immortal prime. 
And bloom to fade no more. 

4 Then cease, fond nature, dry thy tears; 
Religion points on high ; 

There everlasting spring appears, 
And joys that never die. 

HYMN 95. C. M. 

Hope in Death. 

'THROUGH sorrow's night, and danger's path, 

Amid the deepening gloom, 
"We soldiers of an injured King, 
Are marching to the tomb. 

2 There, when the turmoil is no more, 

And all our powers decay, 
Our cold remains in solitude 

Shall sleep the years away. 



FUNERAL SERVICES. 



73 



3 Our labours done, securely laid 
In this our last retreat, 

Unheeded o'er our silent dust 
The storms of life shall beat. 

4 Yet not thus lifeless, thus inane, 
The vital spark shall lie. 

For o'er life's wreck that spark shall rise 

To seek its kindred sky. [h. k. wwte. 

HYMN 96. 11 ^ 13 M. 

A Funeral Hymn. 

npHOU art gone to the grave ! but we will not de- 
plore thee. 

Though sorrows and darkness encompass the 
tomb : 

Thy Saviour has passed through its portals before 
thee, 

And the lamp of his love is thy guide through 
the gloom ! 

2 Thou art gone to the grave ! we no longer be- 

hold thee, 

Nor tread the rough paths of the world by thy 
side ; 

But the wide arms of mercy are spread to enfold 
thee. 

And sinners may die, for the sinless has died ! 

3 Thou art gone to the grave ! and its mansion 

forsaking. 

Perchance thy weak spirit in fear lingered long ; 
But the mild rays of paradise beamed on thy 
waking. 

And the sound which thou heardst was the sera- 
phim's song ! 

23 



74. 



UMVERSALIST MANUAL. 



4 Thou art gone to the grave ! but we will not de- 
plore thee, 

Whose God was still with thee, thy guardian and 

guide 

He gave thee, he took thee, and he will restore 
thee, 

And death has no sting, for the Saviour has died! 

[Bp. Heber. 



^OME, ye disconsolate, where'er you languish, 
Come, at the shrine of God fervently kneel ; 
Here bring your wounded hearts, here tell your 
anguish — 

Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal. 

2 Joy of the desolate, light of the straying, 
Hope, when all others die, fadeless and pure. 

Here speaks the comforter, in God's name, saying, 
Earth has no sorrows, that Heaven cannot cure." 

3 Go ask the infidel, what boon he brings us, 
What charm for aching hearts he can reveal, 

Sweet as that heavenly promise, hope sings unto us, 
"Earth has no sorrow, that God cannot heal." 



HYMN 97. 11 & 10 M. 



Trust in God. 




[Moore, 



HYMN 98. P. M. 6/. 



The Dying Christian. 




the pain, the bliss of dying ! 



HYMENIAL. 

Cease, fond nature, cease thy strife, 
And let me languish into life ! 

2 Hark ! they whisper ! Angels say. 
Sister spirit, come away. 

What is this absorbs me quite, 
Steals my senses, shuts my sight, 

Dro^\n:is my spirits, draws my breath 1 
Tell me, my soul, can this be death 'I 

3 The world recedes — it disappears ! — 
Heaven opens to mine eyes ! mine ears 
With sounds seraphic ring ; 

Lend, lend your wings ! I mount ! I fly ! 
grave ! where is thy victory % 
O death ! where is thy sting 1 



HYMENIAL. 
HYMN 99. L. M. 

A Wedding Hymn. 

TN vain, in Eden's blissful bower, 

The light of heaven resplendent shone 
On herb and tree, on fruit and flower ; 
Unhappy man was still alone. 

2 Not silver streams that murmured through 
The blooming garden, could atone. 

Nor fragrant breeze that softly blew — 
Still man was sad because alone. 

3 Till Heaven, in kindness to his wo, 
To deeds of mercy ever prone, 

A fair companion did bestow ; 

Then man v/as blest, no more alone. 



1 

\ 

\ 



[Pope. 



UNIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



4 And happy who a partner finds, 
Of mind congenial with his own ; 

The silken cord time closer hinds, 
He '11 never wish to be alone. 

5 Heaven smile upon this youthful pair, 
\Yhose kindred hearts are joined in one; 

shield them from the storms of care, 
And light their path with virtue's sun. 

6 crown their days with nuptial peace, 
And o'er their hearts love's sceptre sway 

May pleasure still -v^dth years increase, 
Till eyes grow dim and locks are gray. 

7 In fortune's morn, all light and fair — 
In dark affliction's gloomy eve, 

May they each other's pleasures share, 
Each other's cares and woes relieve. 

8 And when fell death, wdth icy hand, 
Shall rend the ties that joined in time, 

light them to that greener land 
Of purer skies and milder clime ! 



MISCELLANEOUS. 
HYMN 100. L. M. 6/. 

" As thy Day, so shall thy Strength be." 

"yjyHEN adverse winds and waves arise. 

And in my breast despondence sighs 5 
When life its throng of care reveals, 
And weakness o'er my spirit steals, 
Grateful I hear the kind decree, 
That " as thy day, thy strength shall be." 



MISCELLANEOUS. 



77 



2 When with sad footsteps memory roves, 
'Mid smitten joys, and buried loves, 
When sleep my tearful pillow flies, 

And dewy morning drinks my sighs 5 

Still to thy promise, Lord, I flee 

That, " as thy day, thy strength shall be." 

3 One trial more must yet be past. 
One pang, the keenest, and the last ; 
And when with brow convulsed and pale, 
My feeble, quivering, heart-strings fail, 

Father ! grant my soul to see. 

That "as her day, her strength shall be." 

[Mrs. L. H. Sigoumey. 

HYMN 101. C. P. M. 6/. 

The Love of God. 

lyrY God ! thy boundless love I praise ; 
How bright on high its glories blaze ! 

How sweetly bloom below ! 
It streams from thine eternal throne ; 
Through heaven its joys for ever run. 

And o'er the earth they flow. 

1 2 'T is love that paints the purple morn, 
And bids the clouds, in air upborne. 

Their genial drops distil ; 
In every vernal beam it glows ; 
It breathes in every gale that blows, 

And glides in every rill. 

3 It robes in cheerful green the ground, 
And pours its flow'ry beauties round. 

Whose sweets perfume the 'gale 5 
Its bounties richly spread the plain, 
The blushing fruit, the golden grain. 

And smile on every vale. 

23* 



78 



UNIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



4 But in thy word I see it shine 
With grace and glories more divine, 

Proclaiming sins forgiven ; 
There, faith, bright cherub, points the way 
To realms of everlasting day, 

And opens all her heaven. 

5 Then let the love that makes me blest, 
With cheerful praise inspire my breast. 

And ardent gratitude : 
And all my thoughts and passions tend 
To thee my Father and my friend, 

My soul's eternal good. [Kneeland's Coll. 



HYMN 102. L. M. SI. 

Star of Bethlehem. 

'^jy'HEN marshalled on the nightly plain. 
The glittering host be stud the sky. 
One star alone, of ail the train. 

Can fix the sinner's wandering eye. 
Hark ! hark ! to God the chorus break 

From every host, from every gem , 
But one alone the Saviour speaks — 

It is the star of Bethlehem. 

2 Once on the stormy seas I rode ; 

The storm vv^as loud, the night was dark, 
The ocean ya^vned, and rudely blowed 

The wind that tossed my foundering bark: 
Deep horror then my vitals froze, 

Death-struck, I ceased the tide to stem, 
When suddenly a star arose ; 

It was the star of Bethlehem. 



MISCELLANEOUS. 



7» 



3 It was my guide, my light, my all: 

It made my dark forebodings cease ; 
And, through the storm and danger's thrall, 

It led me to the port of peace. 
Now, safely moored, my perils o'er, 

I'll sing beneath night's diadem. 
For ever and for evermore. 

It is the star of Bethlehem. [h. k. mue. 

HYMN 103. L. M. 

The Unseen World. 

'JpHEEE is a world we have not seen, 

A world which time shall ne'er destroy 5 
Where mortal footstep hath not been, 
Nor ear hath caught its sounds of joy, 

2 There is a region lovelier far. 
Than sages tell, or poets sing ; 

Brighter than summer's beauties are. 
And softer than the tints of spring. 

3 It is all holy and serene. 

The land of glory and repose ; 
And there to dim the radiant scene, 
The tear of sorrow never flows. 

4 It is not fanned by summer gale, 

'Tis not refreshed by summer showers} 
It never needs the moonbeam pale. 

For there are known no evening hours. 

5 In vain the philosophic eye 
May seek to view the fair abode, 

Or find it in the curtained sky — 
It is the dwelling-place of God ! 



80 



UNIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



HYMN 104. C. M. 

Faith and Hope. 

"^/"HEN I can read my title clear 
To mansions in the skies, 

1 bid farewell to every fear, 
And wipe my weeping eyes. 

2 Should earth against my soul engage, 
And fiery darts be hurled, 

Then I can smile at erne's rage, 
And face a frowning world. 

3 Let cares like a w41d deluge come. 
And storms of sorrow fall, 

May I but safely reach my home, 
My God, my heaven, my all. 

4t There shall I bathe my weary soul 

In seas of heavenly rest, 
And not a wave of trouble roll 

Across my peaceful breast. 

HYMN 105. C. M. 

Praise. Ps. xcvii. 

JJAIL ! source of light, of life, and love. 

And joys that never end. 
In whom all creatures live and move : 
Creator, Father, Friend. 

2 All space is with thy presence crowned: 

Creation owns thy care ; 
Each spot in nature's ample round, 

Proclaims that God is there. 



MISCELLANEOUS. 



81 



3 Attuned to praise be every voice ; 
Let not one heart be sad. 

Jehovah reigns ! Let earth rejoice : 
Let all the isles be glad. 

4 Then sound the anthem loud and long, 
In sweetest, loftiest, strains j 

And be the burden of the song, 
The Lord, Jehovah, reigns ! 

5 Hail ! source of light, of life and love, 
And joys that never end ; 

In whom all creatures live and move 
Creator, Father, Friend. 

HYMN 106. C. M. 

Praise. 

jyi^Y spirit mounts on buoyant wing. 
While praise attunes my voice ; 
The flowers of bliss around me spring, 
And bid my heart rejoice. 

2 Faith holds his flaming torch on high, 
And earth-born care beguiles ; 

So summer suns illume the sky. 
And all creation smiles. 

3 My cheerful spirit roams abroad. 
Through nature's wide domains. 

And where I see the power of God, 
I feel his goodness reigns. 

4 His praise is echoed from the hills, 
Deep woods the anthem ring, 

Sweet flows his name in murmuring rills, 
The fertile valleys sing. 



82 



TTNIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



5 Then I will join the happy choir, 

And still the strain prolong, 
Devotion shall my heart inspire, 

And gratitude my tongue. t*c. f. u Fene. 



HY:\IN 107. C. M. 

Salvation, 

J^UT who shall see the glorious day ; 

When throned on Zion's brow. 
The Lord shall rend that veil away 

Yvliich hides the nations now ! 
When earth no more beneath the fear 

Of his rebuke shall lie ; 
"When pain shall cease, and every tear 

Be wiped from every eye ! 

2 Then, Judah ! thou no more shalt mourn 

Beneath the heathen's chain ; 
Thy days of splendour shall return, 

And all be new again. 
The fount of life shall then be quaffed 

In peace, by all who come ! 
And every wind that blows shall waft 

Some long-lost exile home ! 



HYMN. 108. C. M. 

Omnipresence of God, 

^HERE'S not a place in earth's vast round, 

In ocean deep, or air. 
Where skill and wisdom are not found, 
For God is everywhere. 



MISCELLANEOUS. 



83 



2 Around, within, below, above, 

Wherever space extends. 
There Heaven displays it boundless love, 

And power with mercy blends. 

2 Then rise, my soul, and sing his name, 

And all his praise rehearse. 
Who spread abroad earth's wondrous frame, 

And built the universe. 

4 Where'er thine earthly lot is cast, 

His power and love declare i 
Nor think the mighty theme too vast, 

For God is everywhere. 

HYMN 109. C. M. 

Eternity of God. 

'pHOU didst, mighty God, exist 

Ere time began its race ; 
Before the ample elements 
Filled up the voids of space. 

2 Before the ponderous earthly globe 
In fluid air was stayed ; 

Before the ocean's mighty springs 
Their liquid stores displayed. 

3 Ere men adored, or angels knew, 
Or praised thy wondrous name , 

Thy bliss, sacred spring of life, 
And glory were the same. 

4} For ever permanent and fixed. 

From agitation free ; 
Unchanged, in everlasting years. 

Shall thine existence be. 



>84 IT^"IVEESALIST JIANUAL. 



HYMN 110. C. M. 

Resignation. 

JTOR me, Lord, whatever lot 

The hours commissioned bring 5 
If all my withering blessings die, 
Or fairer clusters spring , 

2 Oh ! grant that still -with grateful heart, 

My years resigned may run ; 
'Tis thine to give, or to resume. 

And may thy will be done. [Darwin. 

HYJIN 111. CM. 

The Canaan of Rest. 

TTHEEE is a land of pure delight. 
Where saints immortal reign. 
Infinite day excludes the night, 
And pleasures banish pain. 

2 There everlasting spring abides, 

And never-withering flowers : 
Death, like a narrow sea, divides 

This heavenly land from ours. 

S Sweet fields, beyond the swelling flood, 

Stand dressed in living green ; 
So to the Jews old Canaan stood, 

AYhile Jordan rolled between. 

4 But timorous mortals start and shrink, 

To cross this narrow sea, 
And linger, shivering, on the brink, 

And fear to launch away. 



miscellaneoTjs. 



85 



5 could we make our doubts remove — 
Those gloomy doubts that rise — 

And see the Canaan that Ave love, 
With unbeclouded eyes ! 

6 Could we but climb were Moses stood, 
And view the landscape o'er, 

Not Jordan's stream, nor death's cold flood, 
Should fright us from the shore. 

HYMN 112. L. M. 

Confidence in God. 

^yy^HEN in the hours of lonely wo, 

I give my sorrows leave to flow , 
And anxious fear and dark distrust 
Weigh down my spirit in the dust ; 

2 When not e'en friendship's gentle aid 
Can heal the wounds the world has made, 
Oh, this shall check each rising sigh, 
My heavenly Father still is nigh. 

3 His counsels and upholding care, 
My safety and my comfort are ; 
And he shall guide me all my days, 
Till glory crown the work of grace. 

4 Father, in whom but thee above 
Can I repose my trust, my love % 
Nor shall an earthly object be 
Loved in comparison with thee. 

5 My flesh is hastening to decay, 
Soon shall the world have passed away ; 
And what can mortal friends avail. 
When heart and strength and life shall fail. 

24 



86 



UNIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



6 But, 0, be thou my Father, nigh, 
And I will triumph while I die ; 
My strength, my portion is divine, 
And Father, thou art ever mine. 



HYMN 113. L. P. M. 6Z. 

Divine Omnipresence. 

A BOVE — below — where'er I gaze, 

Thy guiding finger. Lord, I view, 
Traced in the midnight planet's blaze, 
Or glistening in the morning dew ; 
Whate'er is beautiful or far. 
Is but thine own reflection there. 

2 I hear thee in the stormy wind. 
That turns the ocean-wave to foam ; 

Nor less thy wondrous power I find, 

When summer airs around me roam i 
The tempest and the calm declare 
Thyself — for thou art everywhere. 

3 When yonder radiant orb of light. 
Hath tipped the mountain-tops with gold, 

Smote with the blaze my weary sight 
Shrinks from the wonders I behold : 
That ray of glory bright and fair, 
Is but thy living shadow there. 

4 Thine is the silent noon of night. 
The twilight eve — the dewy morn ; 

Whate'er is beautiful and bright. 

Thine hands have fashioned to adorn ; 
Thy glory walks in every sphere, 
And all things whisper, " God is here !" 



MISCELLANEOUS. 



87 



HYMN 114. L. M. 8/. 

Charity. 

"pAIR charity, who from above, 

Camest down to dwell a pilgrim here, 
Thy voice is praise, thy smile is love, 

And pity's soul is in thy tear ! 
When on the shrine of God were laid. 

First-fruits of all most good and fair, 
That ever grew in Eden's shade. 

Thine was the holiest offering there ! 

2 Hope and her sister. Faith, were given 

But as our guides to yonder sky 5 
Soon as they reach the verge of heaven, 

Lost in that blaze of bliss, they die. 
But long as Love, Almighty Love, 

Shall on his throne of thrones abide 
Thou shalt, oh ! Charity, dwell above, 

Smiling for ever by his side. 



HYMN 115. S. M. 

The Gospel. 

gEHOLD the sun, how bright 

From yonder east he springs, 
As if the soul of life and light. 
Were breathing from his wings. 

2 So bright the gospel broke 

Upon the souls of men ; 
So fresh the dreaming world awoke 

In truth's full radiance there. 



88 



UNIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



3 Before yon sun arose, 

Stars clustered through the sky — 
But 0, how dim, how pale were those, 

To his one burning eye ! 

^ So truth lent many a ray, 

To bless the Pagan's night — 
But, Lord, how weak, how cold were they 

To thy one glorious light ! t^ooje, 

HYMN 116. Il5 M. 

Heavenly Rest. 

T WOULD not live alway, I ask not to stay, 

Where storm after storm rises dark o'er the way ; 

1 would not live alway — no, welcome the tomb. 
Since Jesus hath lain there, I dread not its gloom. 

2 Who, who would live alway, away from his God, 
Away from yon heaven, that blissful abode ! 
Where the rivers of pleasure, flow o'er the bright 
And the noontide of glory eternally reigns , [plains, 

3 Where the saints of all ages in harmony meet. 
Their Saviour and brethren transported to greet 5 
While the anthems of rapture unceasingly roll. 
And the smile of the Lord is the life of the soul. 

HYMN 117. C. P. M. 6/. 

Praise. 

JgEGIN, my soul, the exalted lay, 
Let each enraptured thought obey. 

And praise the Almighty's name, 
Let heaven and earth, and seas and skies, 
In one melodious concert rise. 

To swell the inspiring theme. 



MISCELLANEOUS. 



89 



2 Ye angels, catch the thrilling sound, 
While all the adoring thrones around 

His boundless mercy sing ; 
Let ev'ry list'ning saint above, 
Wake all the tuneful soul of love, 

And touch the sweetest string. 

3 What e'er this living world contains, 
That wings the air, or treads the plains, 

United praise bestow ; 
Ye tenants of the ocean wide, 
Proclaim him through the mighty tide, 

And in the deeps below. 

4 Let man, by nobler passions swayed, 
The feeling heart, the judging head, 

In heavenly praise employ ; 
Spread His tremendous Name around, 
While heaven's broad arch rings back the sound, 

The general burst of joy. 



HYMN 118. C. M. 

Providence of God. 

^OD moves in a mysterious way 

His wonders to perform ; 
He plants his footsteps in the sea, 
And rides upon the storm. 

2 Deep in unfathomable mines, 
With never-failing skill. 

He treasures up his bright designs, 
And works his gracious will. 

3 Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take. 
The clouds ye so much dread 

24* 



m 



UNIVERSALIST MANUAL. 



Are big" with mercy, and shall break 
In blessings on your head. 

4 Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, 
But trust him for his grace 5 

Behind a frowning providence 
He hides a smiling face. 

5 His purposes will ripen fast, 
Unfolding every hour : 

The bud may have a bitter taste, 
But sweet will be the flower. 

6 Blind unbelief is sure to err, 
And scan his work in vain ; 

God is his own interpreter, 
And he will make it plain. 

HYMN 119. P. M. 5/. 

The Heavenly Rest. 

'J^HEEE is an hour of peaceful rest. 
To mourning wanderers given 5 
There is a joy for souls distressed, 
A balm for every wounded breast, 
'Tis found above in heaven. 

2 There is a soft, a downy bed, 
'Tis fair as breath of even, 

A couch for weary mortals spread. 
Where they may rest the aching head, 
And find repose, in heaven. 

3 There is a home for weary souls. 
By sin and sorrow driven 5 

When tossed on life's tempestuous shoals, 
Where storms arise, and ocean rolls, 
And all is drear but heaven. 



MISCELLANEOUS. 



4" There faith lifts up her cheerful eye, 

To brighter prospects given ; 
And views the tempest passing by, 
The evening shadows quickly fly. 
And all's serene in heaven. 

5 These fragrant flowers immortal bloom, 

And joys supreme are given, 
There rays divine disperse the gloom: 
Beyond the confines of the tomb, 

Appears the dawn of heaven. 



HYMN 120. 8, 7. & 4^ M. 6/. 

Supplication. 

Q.UIDE me, thou great Jehovah, 
Pilgrim through this barren land : 

1 am weak, but thou art mighty ; 
Hold me with thy powerful hand. 

Bread of heaven. 
Feed me till I want no more. 

2 Open now the crystal fountain, 
Whence the healing streams shall flow i 

Let the fiery cloudy pillar 

Lead me all my journey through: 
Strong deliverer, 
Be thou still my strength and shield. 

3 When I tread the verge of Jordan, 
Bid my anxious fears subside : 

Bear me through the swelling current, 
Land me safe on Canaan's side, 
Songs of praises, 
I will for ever give to thee. 



92 



UNIVEESALIST MANUAt. 



HYMN 121. lis M. 

Consolations of the Gospel. 

"O'OW gracious the promise, ow soothing the 
word, 

ihat came from the lips of our merciful Lord; 
Ye lone and ye weary, ye sad and opprest, 
Come, learn of your Saviour, and ye shall find rest. 

2 Ye heart-stricken sons and daughters of wo, 
For you the fresh fountains of comfort overflow 5 
Y^our souls to the blessed Redeemer unite 

His yoke it is easy, his burden is light. 

3 Audi ye that have sinned and have wandered 

astray, 

Come walk in the ''light and the truth and the way." 
Ye proud, from the paths of ambition depart, 
For meek was your Master and lowly of heart. 

4 Now thanks be to him who hath given us light ; 
The way of the Christian is easy and bright ; 
And humbly, when touched by the chastening rod, 
He bows to the will of his Father and God. 

5 When life's stream flows feebly, and faint is his 

breath, 

And his perishing body yields slowly to death, 
No fear of the future brings darkness or gloom, 
No cloud of despair overshadov/s the tomb. 

6 Believing in Jesus, and trusting in God, 

He fears not to walk where his Saviour hath trod, 

Before him the waves of eternity roll. 

He enters — and Christ shall give rest to his soul. 

[S. F. Streeter. 



INDEX. 



Hymn. Page. 



As showers on meadows newly mown 6 6 

As pants the hart for cooling streams 10 9 

Awake our souls, with rapture sing 27 21 

Almighty maker, God 49 38 

Above, below, where'er I gaze 113 86 

Before Jehovah's awful throne 1 3 

Begone the reign of sin and death 19 15 

Brightest and best of the sons of the morning 78 61 

Behold the Prince of peace. He comes 79 62 

Bread of Heaven ! on thee I feed 85 66 

But who shall see the glorious day 107 82 

Behold the sun, how bright 115 87 

Begin my soul, the exalted lay 117 88 

Come weary souls, with sins distressed 30 23 

Come sound his praise abroad 43 34 

Come thou long expected Jesus 59 46 

Come thou Almighty King 71 54 

Come, Holy Spirit, heavenly dove 72 58 

Come, children, learn to fear the Lord 87 67 

Come ye disconsolate, where'er you languish 97 74 

Death cannot make our souls afraid 92 70 

Eternal source of every joy 29 22 

Every perfect gift and blessing 65 60 

Eat, drink, in memory of your friend 83 65 

From all that dwell below the skies 3 4 

Father of all, omniscient mind 33 26 

Far from these scenes of night 93 71 

For me, Lord, whatever lot 110 84 

Fair charity, who from above 114 87 

Great parent ! oh, direct our ways 25 19 

Give to our God immortal praise 26 20 

Great God, the heavens' well ordered frame 36 28 

God, my king, thy might confessing 63 48 
93 



94* UNIVERSALTST MANUAL. 

Hymn. Page. 

God moves in a mysterious way 118 89 

Guide me, thou great Jehovah 120 91 

How pleasant, how divinely fair 32 25 

How beauteous are their feet 46 36 

How gracious is our God 51 40 

Hail, the God of our salvation 61 4^ 

Hark ! what mean those holy voices 77 60 

Hark ! what celestial notes 80 63 

How large the promise, how divine 86 66 

Hail ! source of light, of life, of love 105 80 

How gracious the promise, how soothing the word 121 92 

In God's eternity 50 39 

If human kindness meets return 84 65 

In vain, in Eden's blissful bower 99 75 

I would not live alway, &c. 116 88 

Jesus shall reign where'er the sun 5 5 

Jesus, his empire shall extend 38 30 

Joy to the world, the Lord is come 42 33 

Jesus I my cross have taken 66 50 

Kind Lord, before thy face 69 53 

Lord of the Sabbath hear our vows 20 16 

Lord, of the worlds above 53 41 

Lord, dismiss us vv^ith thy blessing 64 49 

Lord, now we part in thy blest name 70 54 

Lo ! what a glorious sight appears 73 56 

Let party names no more 81 63 

Lord, what our ears have heard 88 67 

Let children learn the deeds 89 68 

Lo ! Israel's gentle shepherd stands 90 69 

Life is a span, a fleeting hour 94 72 

My soul inspired with sacred love 14 11 

My soul, how lovely is the place 40 32 

My maker, and m.y king 48 38 

Mighty God, while angels bless thee 67 52 

My God, thy boundless love I praise 101 77 

My spirit mounts on buoyant wing 106 81 

No change of time shall ever shock 7 7 

Now let our ardent voices raise 28 21 

Now begin the heavenly theme 60 46 

0, praise the Lord in that blessed place 4 5 

0, thou to whom all creatures bow 9 8 

O God, my heart is fixed, 'tis bent 13 11 

O, render thanks to God above 17 13 

Oh king of earth, and air, and sea 31 24 

O God, thou art my God alone 34 26 



INDEX. 



95 



Hymn. Page. 



O bless the Lord, my soul 45 35 

O ! for an angel's tongue 54 42 

Our heavenly Father calls 82 64 

Praise ye the Lord ! our God to praise 16 13 

Softly now the light of day 58 45 

Sovereign Lord of light and glory 63 48 

The Lord himself the mighty Lord 8 7 

The Lord has been my help ; the praise 12 10 

The Lord my pasture shall prepare 21 16 

The spacious firmament on high 35 27 

Thou art, O God the life and light 37 29 

Through all the changing scenes of life 41 32 

To God the mighty Lord 55 43 

To God the only wise 68 53 

The radiant dawn of gospel light 76 59 

Through sorrow's night and danger's path 95 72 

Thou art gone to the grave, but we will not deplore thee 96 73 

There is a world we have not seen 103 79 

Thou didst, mighty God, exist 110 83 

There is a land of pure delight 111 84 

There is an hour of peaceful rest 119 90 

Upward I lift mine eye 51 40 

Unveil thy bosom, faithful tomb 91 70 

Vital spark of heavenly flame 98 74 

With one consent let all the earth • 2 4 

"When all thy mercies, my God 11 9 

With glory clad, with strength arrayed 18 14 

While here as wandering sheep we stray 22 17 

While thee I seek, protecting Power 39 31 

When I survey this world 44 34 

While God my Father 's near 47 37 

When before thy throne we kneel 57 45 

Watchman ! tell us of the night 74 57 

While their flocks the shepherds tended 75 58 

When adverse winds and waves arise 100 76 

When marshalled on the nightly plain 102 78 

When I can read my title clear 104 80 

While in the hours of lonely wo 112 85 

Ye saints and servants of the Lord 23 18 

Yes, Jesus lives ! Ten thousand hearts 24 19 

Ye boundless realms of joy 56 44 



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The Layman's Legacy ; or Ticenty-Jive Sermons on Im- 
portant Subjects. By Henry Fitz. Vol. I. 406 pages, 
large 12mo. Price $1. The 2d volume will probably appear 
in the fall of 1839. The volumes are not specially connected. 

A Theological Discussion, on the question, Is the doctrine 
of Endless Misery taught in the Scriptures ? between Ezra 
Stiles Ely, D. D. (Presbyterian,) and Abel C. Thomas, 
(Universalist.) One vol. 18mo. Price 62J cents. 

AiV Argument for the Truth of Christianity. By I. D. 
Williamson. One vol. ISmo. Price 50 cents. 

Sawyer's Letters to Remington ; being a Review of Lec- 
tures on Universalism, by the latter. Price 50 cents. 

The Sunday School Hymn Book; designed for the use of 
Sunday Schools throughout the United States. 

Scripture Lessons — an excellent Lesson Book for Sunday 
Schools. 

A great variety of Pamphlets, doctrinal and practical, which 
are put at low price, for convenience of distribution. 
— also may be had — 

Most of the works treating of the doctrine of the Restitution, 
together with a variety of Sunday School Books, Certifi- 
cates, etc. 

The Universalist Union, a Weekly Periodical, is issued 
at the same place, in two forms — Quarto, at §2 and Octavo 
at §2 50 per annum. 



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